The problem statement (or needs assessment) is a key element of a proposal that makes a clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed. The best way to collect information about the problem is to conduct and document both a formal and informal needs assessment for a program in the target or service area. The information provided should be both factual and directly related to the problem addressed by the proposal. Areas to document are:
The purpose for developing the proposal.
The beneficiaries -- who are they and how will they benefit.
The social and economic costs to be affected.
The nature of the problem (provide as much hard evidence as possible).
How the applicant organization came to realize the problem exists, and what is currently being done about the problem.
The remaining alternatives available when funding has been exhausted. Explain what will happen to the project and the impending implications.
Most importantly, the specific manner through which problems might be solved. Review the resources needed, considering how they will be used and to what end.
There is a considerable body of literature on the exact assessment techniques to be used. Any local, regional, or State government planning office, or local university offering course work in planning and evaluation techniques should be able to provide excellent background references. Types of data that may be collected include: historical, geographic, quantitative, factual, statistical, and philosophical information, as well as studies completed by colleges, and literature searches from public or university libraries. Local colleges or universities which have a department or section related to the proposal topic may help determine if there is interest in developing a student or faculty project to conduct a needs assessment. It may be helpful to include examples of the findings for highlighting in the proposal.
Information courtesy of the The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.
