The problem statement is often referred to as the heart of the grant proposal, and for good reason. It’s where you present the issue your nonprofit is addressing and convince funders why your work matters. A strong problem statement not only lays the groundwork for your proposal but also makes funders feel compelled to invest in your mission. Here are practical tips, tricks, and tools to craft a problem statement that captures attention and drives action.
1. Start with a Clear Focus
Funders need to understand exactly what problem your nonprofit is addressing. Avoid broad or vague descriptions. For example:
- Weak Statement: Hunger is a serious issue in our community.
- Strong Statement: In our city, 1 in 5 children goes to bed hungry every night due to food deserts and economic hardship.
Tip: Use the “5Ws” framework (Who, What, Where, When, Why) to ensure your problem statement is specific and targeted.
2. Support Your Statement with Data
Statistics lend credibility to your claims and show funders the scale of the issue. Use reliable sources like government reports, academic studies, or local surveys.
Practical Tool:
- Explore resources like Data.gov, Census Bureau tools, or nonprofit data platforms like Candid or GuideStar to gather relevant statistics.
Trick: Combine numbers with a human story to create an emotional connection. For example: “In our county, 20% of families live below the poverty line. Maria, a single mother of three, often skips meals to ensure her children can eat.”
3. Focus on Urgency
Your problem statement should convey why this issue needs immediate attention. Use phrases like “without action” or “if left unaddressed” to create urgency.
Example: Without immediate intervention, 1,000 seniors in our community risk losing access to affordable healthcare within the next year.
4. Align with Your Mission
Show how addressing this problem ties into your nonprofit’s mission. Funders want to support organizations with a clear and relevant purpose.
Exercise: Write a one-sentence mission statement and weave it into your problem statement. For instance, “At [Nonprofit Name], we believe every child deserves access to quality education. That’s why we’re tackling systemic underfunding in low-income schools.”
5. Keep It Concise
While detail is essential, avoid overwhelming funders with excessive information. Aim for a problem statement that’s compelling and to the point.
Practical Tool: Use apps like Hemingway Editor to ensure your writing is clear and concise.