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Guide · Grant writing

How to Write a Statement of Need for a Grant (With Example)

How to write a grant statement of need (needs statement): define the problem, use local evidence, show who is affected and why now, with an example.

By The Paper Win · Updated · 2 min read

A statement of need explains the problem your project will address, who it affects, the evidence that it exists in your community, and why it matters now. Lead with the specific problem, back it with local data and real voices, connect it to the funder's priorities, and end by showing the gap your project will fill. Keep the focus on the people affected, not your organization.

Reviewers often decide whether to keep reading based on this section. If they are not convinced the need is real and urgent, the rest of the proposal has little chance.

What a strong statement of need includes

  1. The problem, stated clearly in one or two sentences.
  2. Who is affected: the population, where, how many.
  3. Evidence: local statistics, surveys, waiting lists, service data.
  4. Consequences: what happens if nothing changes.
  5. The gap: why existing services do not meet the need.
  6. The link to your project: a bridge to your solution.

Use local, specific evidence

National statistics show a problem exists somewhere. Local evidence shows it exists here. Combine both:

WeakStrong
Childhood literacy is a national concernIn Eastgate, fewer than half of pupils reach the expected reading level by age 11, below the city average
Many families face food insecurityIn our 2024 survey of 200 Northbrook households, nearly half said they often cannot afford fresh vegetables
Young people need mentorsOur waiting list for mentoring has 64 young people, with an average wait of five months

Cite your sources. Include the year.

Example statement of need

Example

Eastgate is one of the city's most deprived neighbourhoods. Fewer than half of pupils at Eastgate Primary reach the expected reading standard by age 11, compared with about two thirds across the city (school and local authority data, 2024).

Children who leave primary school behind in reading often struggle across every subject in secondary school. Teachers report that the main barrier is a lack of one-to-one reading practice: many pupils have no books at home, and parents working evening shifts have little time to read with them.

The school's existing support reaches only 20 pupils a year. Last year, 85 pupils were identified as needing help. Without additional capacity, more than 60 children will move to secondary school without the reading support they need.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Describing your organization's need for money instead of the community's need.
  • Using only national statistics.
  • Circular reasoning: "There is a need for our program because there is no program."
  • Exaggeration or emotional language without evidence.
  • Old data without explanation.

Next, turn the need into measurable goals and objectives, or see the complete process in how to write a grant proposal.

Frequently asked questions

What is a statement of need in a grant proposal?

The section that explains the problem your project addresses, who is affected, the evidence for it, and why it needs addressing now.

What evidence should I use in a needs statement?

Local data, survey results, waiting lists, service usage figures, research and, with consent, short quotes from people affected.

How long should a statement of need be?

Follow the funder's limit. Often one to two pages, or a set word count in online forms.

Should I describe my organization in the statement of need?

Keep the focus on the problem and the people affected. Your organization belongs in the background section.

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