Identify a problem in the community your agency wishes to address 

One thing about the problem/needs assessment needs to be emphasized: make sure that your problem statement is a problem and NOT a method. For example, you may think that lack of a thermal imager is a problem, and so your method is to get a thermal imager. This proposal would not get funded. Grantors want to fund programs that help the community and not your internal organization. Therefore, maybe your real problem is crime rates are up due to criminals getting away during pursuits at night. Then your method would be to use a thermal imager to combat this problem. 

If you find yourself using “lack of” statements in the problem section, you are probably saying “lack of method.”. Most problems have multiple methods and by using a “lack of” as your problem statement, only one method is possible.  Your job in the methods section will be to tell the grantor why your chosen method is better than other methods you considered. 

Don’t assume that the grantor automatically knows your problem is valid. When applying for federal grants, usually the grantor knows what the problem is and sets aside money to address that problem. Private foundations on the other hand, may not be aware of the problem and you won’t get high marks for leaving them wondering. 

Also, make sure that the problem you wish to solve is one that can be solved. Nothing brings down a grantor more than giving them a hopeless problem that cannot possibly be solved. Give the grantor hope in your proposal! Explain why your group is uniquely qualified to solve the problem. Use personal stories as background. 

Use appropriate statistics and augment them with quotes from authorities, especially those within your own community. Make sure you make the case for the problem in your area, not just on a national level (tell the grantor the population your statistics apply to). Make sure you site all of your statistics so the grantor will know that your information came from a reputable source. Use charts and graphs sparingly. If you use excessive statistics save them for an appendix (if the RFP allows). 

When reviewing the problem/needs assessment section of your proposal, grantors will ask the following questions: 

• Who are the people or agencies with whom the applicant is concerned? 
• What is the problem or need on which the agency will focus? 
• Is the problem of reasonable dimensions and therefore something that can be changed for the better over the period of this grant? 
• Does this statement appear to be concerned with the needs of clients or with the needs of the applicant? 

Remember, as law enforcement officers you exist to serve and protect your community. Grants fund activities that serve and protect the greater good.