Grant Proposal

This chapter of a grant proposal focuses on stating the problem that the intended project will be addressing, and why it is important to address the problem in the said setting/society. Although there could be other problems in the society, you need to focus on one; perhaps you could mention other issues related to the problem you are addressing, and how solving the main issue would contribute to solving them or minimizing their impact in society.

This section of the grant proposal should also consist of background information or data that will help quantify the magnitude of the problem. Although it is argued that qualitative data helps in improving the quality of quantitative data, it is advisable that you use quantitative data when writing a grant proposal. The data presented in this section of a grant proposal should be based on facts for the proposal to have credibility.

The background information presented in this section should be based on an intensive literature review conducted from relevant and authoritative sources. The literature review should also be based on current sources, and should not be based on books only; journals, other proposals, and articles can form a basis for a good literature review.

The problem statement should be clear and concise supported by facts. Below are important tips that you can employ in formulating a problem statement.

• Be specific.
• Present data to support or prove your case.
• Do not present assumptions or leave room for assumptions.
• Demonstrate the magnitude of the problem both locally and nationally.
• Show that you are well informed on the problem through conducting an intensive literature review.
• Highlight how you will achieve the goals and objectives of the project.
• Create a link between the problem that you want to address, and the mission and vision statement of the funding organization you are writing the grant proposal.