The Needs Statement and Theories of Change

American Red Cross

The needs statement establishes the focus and rationale for the grant proposal. If you do not have a compelling need, you do not have a compelling project. The statement of needs is a concise and coherent statement, supported by evidence on why the project needs funding. The statement of needs drives everything else that will follow in the grant proposal.

Please use your selected nonprofit organization to respond to the following:

• What is the problem/need that your proposal is addressing? Support this statement with current evidence (qualitative or quantitative data).
• Are the problem and need urgent? Why does it need to be addressed now?
• Why should your selected organization be the one that addresses this problem and need?