!"The organization's goals, philosophy, track record with other grantors, and any success stories. !"The data should be relevant to the goals of the Federal grantor agency and should establish the applicant's credibility. The Problem Statement: Stating the Purpose at Hand The problem statement (or needs assessment) is a key element of a proposal that makes a clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed. The best way to collect information about the problem is to conduct and document both a formal and informal needs assessment for a program in the target or service area. The information provided should be both factual and directly related to the problem addressed by the proposal. Areas to document are: !"The purpose for developing the proposal. !"The beneficiaries -- who are they and how will they benefit. !"The social and economic costs to be affected. !"The nature of the problem (provide as much hard evidence as possible). !"How the applicant organization came to realize the problem exists, and what is currently being done about the problem. 17 !"The remaining alternatives available when funding has been exhausted. Explain what will happen to the project and the impending implications. !"Most importantly, the specific manner through which problems might be solved. Review the resources needed, considering how they will be used and to what end. There is a considerable body of literature on the exact assessment
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