What does the funder look for in the Needs Statement section of a grant proposal?

In the Needs Statement section of a grant proposal, the funder is particularly interested in understanding the specific needs of the target population. This section serves to establish a compelling case for why the proposed project is necessary and highlights the issues or challenges the target population is facing. A well-crafted Needs Statement articulates these needs with factual data, anecdotal evidence, and relevant statistics that demonstrate the severity or scope of the problem. By clearly defining the needs, the proposal effectively communicates to the funder the urgency and importance of the project, making it more likely that they will see the value in providing funding.

In contrast, the other options—such as the funding history of the organization—focus more on the credibility and capacity of the organization rather than the specific community needs. Project sustainability is crucial for ensuring that benefits continue after funding ends, but it does not directly address the current needs of the population. Volunteer engagement, while important for project implementation and community involvement, is also not the primary focus of the Needs Statement, which centers around the justification for the project based on the needs of the target population.