Abstract
Chapter 10 addresses the problem and needs statements, the portions of a grant proposal that answer the fundamental question of why a project should receive funding. The chapter emphasizes that these sections must do more than establish that a problem exists: they must make a persuasive, evidence-based, ethical case for action. Writers begin by critically reading the funding opportunity to understand what the funder is asking and then define the issue, explain how it appears within the relevant community, establish why it requires attention now, and identify what is missing. The chapter stresses ethical framing, particularly the danger of exaggerating deficits or representing communities solely through problems. Asset-based approaches can coexist with clear explanations of barriers, gaps, and conditions requiring intervention. AI tools can support research, exploration, retrieval-augmented generation, and revision, but writers remain responsible for accuracy and rhetorical judgment. The chapter therefore positions the needs statement as both an argument for funding and an act of representation. Effective problem framing connects evidence, community context, urgency, funder priorities, and proposed action without sacrificing accuracy, respect, or credibility.

Framing the Case for Funding
What Are They Asking For?
Crafting an Effective Problem/Needs Statement
Defining the Issue
What does the issue look like in your community?
Why must it be addressed now?
Identifying What’s Missing
Ethics in Framing the Problem or Need
Using AI Tools to Support Problem and Needs Development
Prompting Tips
Researching the Problem/Need with AI
Exploring Need Through RAG
Revising the Problem/Needs Statement with AI
Summary