What's your problem?

I mentioned in a post earlier this month that I'm helping advise some start-up social entrepreneurs on fundraising.  Today, I'm giving a small presentation to them on how to write effective grant proposals.

I looked over some of their websites yesterday to get a better sense of what information might be useful to them. Several of the organizations have impressive programs with great activities.  However, one thing I noticed that was missing from most of their sites was a clear description of the problem they are trying to solve.

Without a clear articulation of the problem (with data/stats) and specific ways the organization is solving that problem (again, with data to back it up!) it will be difficult for any Foundation to justify awarding a grant. Foundations like giving money to organizations that are solving pressing societal issues.

So what's your problem? What data do you have to show that your problem is real? And how does your program or service solve this problem? These are the essential parts of a grant proposal.