Writing a Compelling Need Statement

1. Writing a Compelling Need Statement Barbara A. Howell, M.A. PAD 5850

2. Where does it fit? • Critical part of the proposal • Heart of the entire case for support • Presents the proverbial hook

3. 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.

4. Whose problem is it? • National • State-wide • District • Local • Use documented evidence about the problem in the geographic area you will be addressing/serving.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Worksheet 2.1

8. 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.

9. 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