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Writing Successful Grants KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Writing Successful Grants KnowledgeBase is an online resource aiding education professionals in their pursuit of public and private grants to support local programs. Its five elements contain information and resources that assist the grant seeker with developing their project, writing the grant proposal and managing the grant upon its award.

Task 3: Write the Need/Problem Statement

Guideline: The need or problem statement should offer a focused description of the problem the proposed project addresses and how it will do so. The explanation should demonstrate a logical process was applied to identify the need and define the project. Including references related to research and other successful projects may be helpful in supporting the need. Keep in mind the proposal may be competing against many projects with equally critical needs. Therefore, consider these questions when formulating the project need statement. Why should your project be funded over the competition? What makes your project stand out? What is the emotion within your project that when blended with the facts will sell your ideas? What would be the "gotcha" statement that convinces a reviewer to fund your project?

Resources

Checklists

 

Great Buzz Words to Use in a Grant Proposal

This list offers great buzz words to include in the grant proposal as appropriate.

Tools

 

Sample Needs Statement

This document contains an example of a needs statement adapted from samples provided by Dr. Wanda Riesz, Director Grant Writing & Resource Development, Indianapolis (Indiana) Public Schools.

References

Needs Assessment

The needs assessment is one of four key parts of project proposal. This document identifies the four components of a needs assessment and what it should address.

Plain Language

This link to the Plain Language.gov website provides information and resources related to the federal government's to improve communication with the public. Grant seekers submitting federal grant proposals may find its content useful. Other grant seekers may find its content useful when submitting proposal to other grant funders.

Proposal Writing Short Course

This Foundation Center resource offers a self paced tutorial on the proposal writing process.