Writing a Compelling Need Statement

Barbara A. Howell, M.A.PAD 5850

Where does it fit?

• Critical part of the proposal

• Heart of the entire case for support

• Presents the proverbial hook

Developing the need statement

• Establish a clear relationship to the organization’s mission and purpose.

• Focus on the need in the community.• Assertions about the need should be

supported by evidence• Use clear, concise language. Avoid

jargon.

Whose problem is it?

• National• State-wide• District• Local

• Use documented evidence about the problem in the geographic area you will be addressing/serving.

Model Program?

• Will your project be a pilot project ?• Will it be replicable?• How will results be disseminated?

• Caution: In this section, stay focused on the need.

Writing the Need Statement

• State the need using hard-core statistics, not assumptions or undocumented assertions.

• Use statistics that are clear and that support your argument.

• Use comparative statistics and research.• Make sure all data collection is well documented.• Use anecdotal (touching) stories people as

examples.• Focus on the geographic area the project will

serve.

Worksheet 2.1

Who? Where?When?

What? Why? Evidence ofProblem

So What?

Who are thepeople with theneed?

What is theneed?

What evidencedo you have tosupport yourclaim?

What are theconsequences ofmeeting theneed?

Where are thepeople?

Why does thisneed occur? How is the need

linked to yourorganization?

When is the needevident?

Need Statement

• From the worksheet, develop the ‘Need Statement’ section of your proposal.

• Discuss the need in terms of your project’s benefit to the individuals in the community.

• Describe a clear relationship to your organization’s mission.

• Include solid evidence supporting your claims about the nature, size, and scope of the need to be addressed.

• Avoid the use of jargon.• Be persuasive and concise.

Next Week...

• Be sure to e-mail worksheet and narrative to me by Wednesday evening.

• Bhowell@mail.ucf.edu

• Course website– http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~bhowell