Free template · United States
Need statement template
A structured statement of the problem your project addresses, backed by cited evidence.
A strong statement of need shows the funder a specific problem, for specific people, in a specific place, with evidence. Replace every bracket with your own facts and cite every figure.
1. The problem in one sentence
[Who] in [place] face [problem], which leads to [consequence].
2. Evidence
| Evidence | Figure | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| [Local statistic] | [figure] | [source, year] |
| [Comparison with regional or national figure] | [figure] | [source, year] |
| [Your own service data] | [figure] | [your records, period] |
3. Who is affected
[Describe the group: age, location, circumstances. Say how many people you can reach, based on your capacity.]
4. Gaps in current services
[What exists now, why it is not enough, and what happens if nothing changes.]
5. Why your organization
[Your track record, relationships and trust with this community. Keep claims verifiable.]
6. Link to the funder
[Quote the funder's priority and show how solving this problem advances it.]
Checklist
- Every figure has a named source and a date
- The problem is about the people served, not about your organization needing money
- The need matches the activities in your proposal
- It fits the funder's word limit
Replace every [bracket] with your own facts. This template is general guidance, not legal or tax advice. Always follow the funder's own instructions first.
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