What should be the focus when writing a grant proposal’s introduction?

The introduction of a grant proposal is critical because it sets the stage for the entire document. It should primarily focus on clearly stating the problem and articulating the significance of the project. This is where you hook the reader by conveying the urgency and importance of addressing the specific need the project intends to meet.

When the problem and its significance are clearly defined, it enables reviewers to quickly understand why the proposed work matters and how it relates to their funding priorities. A compelling introduction will also establish a connection between the problem and the proposed solution, which lays a strong foundation for the rest of the proposal.

In contrast, while detailing an organization’s history and achievements can be relevant, it should not overshadow the primary focus on the problem at hand. Similarly, discussing past funding sources and their outcomes or providing an extensive narrative about community needs may detract from the clarity needed in the introduction. The introduction should remain concise yet impactful, encouraging reviewers to continue reading about the proposed solutions.