Last updated on Aug 19, 2024

What's the secret to writing a clear and concise problem statement for your grant proposal?

A problem statement is a crucial component of any grant proposal. It defines the issue that your project aims to address and why it matters. A clear and concise problem statement can help you attract funders, establish your credibility, and set the stage for your proposed solution. But how do you write one that is effective and persuasive? Here are some tips to help you craft a problem statement that stands out and convinces your potential grantors.

Key takeaways from this article

Quantify the urgency:

Including specific data in your problem statement highlights the immediate need for action. It's like a wake-up call for funders, painting a vivid picture of the issue and why it demands their attention now.
Aligning knowledge and needs:

Start with what you know about the problem and how your project tackles it. Then, tailor this to what the funder seeks. It’s like fitting a key into a lock—get it just right, and you’ll open the door to funding.

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1 Know your audience

Before you start writing your problem statement, you need to understand who you are writing for. Different funders may have different priorities, expectations, and criteria for evaluating your proposal. You need to tailor your problem statement to match their interests, values, and goals. Research the funder's mission, vision, and objectives, as well as their past and current grant recipients. Identify the gaps, needs, and challenges that they are looking for. Use their language and terminology to align your problem statement with their perspective.

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Kit E Baker

Development Consultant | Grant Writing, Organizational Development
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First order of business is indeed to find out as much as you can about who you are writing for. Read the grant guidelines with laser-like attention, revisit them constantly. Identify the "headline" of the grant program and use it as a litmus test. There’s no substitute for hearing a funder speak at an event or on video; you can pick up critical tips that are not available anywhere else. Identify the need. This is where you need to find the right balance between tailoring your statement to THEIR interests and making the case for YOUR interests. I mostly find that the "special sauce" that makes proposals truly sing is best cooked up with the ingredients of your interests while you sift in theirs along the way.

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2 Define the problem

The next step is to clearly define the problem that your project addresses. You need to describe the nature, scope, and magnitude of the problem, as well as its causes and consequences. You need to provide evidence and data to support your claims and show the urgency and significance of the problem. Avoid vague, general, or complex statements that may confuse or bore your readers. Instead, use specific, simple, and concrete examples that illustrate the problem and its impact. Focus on the most relevant and compelling aspects of the problem that relate to your funder's priorities and goals.

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3 Explain the context

After defining the problem, you need to explain the context and background of the problem. You need to provide information and details that help your readers understand the problem better and see why it matters. You need to show how the problem affects your target population, community, or field of work, as well as the broader society or environment. You also need to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise on the problem and its context. Highlight the existing literature, research, or interventions that have addressed the problem or related issues. Identify the gaps, limitations, or challenges that remain and justify the need for your project.

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Kit E Baker

Development Consultant | Grant Writing, Organizational Development
(edited)
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Focus on the knowledge you and your colleagues already have about the problem with what the funder is looking for and work outwards from there. Work with program managers to identify what they know most about the problem and how the project will be the most effective option you have for addressing it, then develop specifics to match. Look at other organizations who are working on similar things, and use them to identify how yours is unique (as opposed to mentioning them in the proposal - better to use the time and space to accentuate your own strengths with anonymous references to others unless the names and descriptions of those other orgs are specifically asked for).

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4 State your purpose

The final step is to state your purpose and goal for your project. You need to summarize what you intend to do and how you plan to do it. You need to show how your project will address the problem and contribute to its solution. You also need to explain how your project aligns with your funder's mission, vision, and objectives. Emphasize the benefits and outcomes that your project will deliver and how they will be measured and evaluated. Use clear, concise, and realistic statements that convey your confidence and enthusiasm for your project.

By following these tips, you can write a clear and concise problem statement that captures your funder's attention and interest. A well-written problem statement can make a strong first impression and set the tone for your entire grant proposal. It can also help you clarify your own vision and direction for your project and guide your subsequent steps and decisions.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Aishah Nantumbwe 💜

✍️ Helping NGOs & Businesses Win Grants☆ Funding Strategist & Grant Writer ☆ McKinsey Forward Alumni '23 ☆
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Highlighting the urgent consequences of inaction is key to a compelling problem statement. Quantify the impact by citing specific numbers and outcomes, such as 'X people affected, Y economic losses, and Z long-term consequences. This creates a sense of urgency, mobilizes stakeholders, and drives meaningful change. A strong problem statement, clear call to action, and sense of urgency are a powerful combination in securing funding and resources for critical initiatives

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Kit E Baker

Development Consultant | Grant Writing, Organizational Development
(edited)
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Make the project scalable in case the grant is less than you asked for. In one proposal I wrote, the funder awarded one quarter of what we asked for, then we secured agreement to fund just one part of our outreach and it all worked out for the best.

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What's the secret to writing a clear and concise problem statement for your grant proposal?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Know your audience

2 Define the problem

3 Explain the context

4 State your purpose

5 Here’s what else to consider

Grant Administration

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What's the secret to writing a clear and concise problem statement for your grant proposal?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Know your audience

2 Define the problem

3 Explain the context

4 State your purpose

5 Here’s what else to consider

Grant Administration

Rate this article

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