III. Problem Statement or Needs Assessment

Documents the Need to be Met or Problems to be Solved by the Proposed Funding

1. Relates to purposes and goals of applicant agency

2. Is of reasonable dimensions--not trying to solve all the problems of the world

3. Is supported by statistical evidence

4. Is supported by statements from authorities

5. Is stated in terms of clients' needs and problems--not the applicant's

6. Is developed with input from clients and beneficiaries

7. Is not the "lack of a program," unless the program always works

8. Makes no unsupported assumptions

9. Is free of jargon

10. Is interesting to read

11. Is as brief as possible

12. Makes a compelling case