Pre-Award Online Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Welcome and Introduction
2. Module 1: Introduction to Sponsored Funding
3. Module 2: Funding Tools
4. Module 3: Proposal Development
   1. Pre Test
   2. Common Flaws
   3. Abstract/Executive Summary
   4. Introduction
   5. Problem Statement
   6. Goals and Objectives
   7. Work Plan
   8. Evaluation Plan
   9. Developing Your Budget
   10. Common Budget Categories
   11. Budget Justification
   12. Other Relevant Information
   13. Post Test
   14. Frequently Asked Questions
   15. Glossary
   16. Resources
5. Module 4: Submitting Your Application

Problem Statement

The problem statement, sometimes referred to as the needs assessment, is a well documented, detailed description of the problem to be addressed and the need for the proposed project. The problem and need should be expressed in terms of the subjects or beneficiaries of the proposed project, not in terms of the needs of the applicant organization. It should show a match between the sponsor's interests and priorities and the applicant's experience and skill.

Forming the problem statement and conducting the needs assessment can be accomplished through a review of the literature, which is almost always required, and can vary in length depending on the nature and scope of the proposed project, as well as the grant guidelines. The literature review is a discussion of the project in relation to the present state of knowledge in the field and to comparable work in progress elsewhere. In completing the review, the writer should answer the questions:

• What is known about the area of inquiry?
• How does the proposed project relate to what is known?
• What will be the social and economic costs without external funding support to address the problem or meet the need?
• Why was the particular approach to the problem selected?

Additionally, the writer may wish to look at the history, nature, and scope of the problem from the "macro" to the "micro," that is, from the national, state, and local perspective. Surveys of, or interviews with, potential clients, beneficiaries, and local providers dealing with similar issues may be helpful. Also, quantitative and qualitative data illustrating limitations of existing programs and documented evidence of demand (i.e., waiting lists and service requests) can be convincing.