In theory, demonstrating need should be one of the simplest grant application questions for charities to answer. Yet in practice, many grant writers struggle to clearly and persuasively articulate the need for their proposed project.
As for-purpose professionals, we are so passionate about the cause we are supporting, and so deeply embedded in our organisation’s work on a daily basis, that we forget not everyone shares our passion or has been afforded the same level of insight.
Our sector is full of charities doing meaningful and worthy work, here in Australia, Aotearoa and further abroad. But even when a project ticks all the right boxes, that doesn’t guarantee funding success. Grant funding is very competitive and alignment with a funder’s priorities is just the starting point, not a golden ticket.
So, let’s explore some ways to show prospective funders that your organisation truly understands the issue at hand and that your project is the one to invest in:
- Community consultation: Show funders that you’ve engaged with the people you’re aiming to assist. This may include findings or feedback from surveys or focus groups, quotes from community members, or letters of support from peak bodies and partner organisations. If you’re proactively involving beneficiaries, staff with lived experience, and partners via a co-design process, even better!
- Findings from pilots or existing programs: You wouldn’t believe how many grant writers forget to mention this – don’t be one of them. If you’ve trialled your approach, share the evaluation results. Include evaluation measures and the outcomes achieved (detail the indicators used, not just vague statements and compare results to baseline figures, where possible). Combine this with testimonials, lessons learned and evidence of scalability. If your program was independently evaluated, be sure to highlight this to enhance credibility.
- Internal data highlighting need: Consider quantitative data such as referral numbers, waitlist volume, current/average wait times and growth trends over time.
- Highlight global evidence of success: Is your project informed by international research or a proven service delivery model from overseas? Describe why adapting and trialling this approach in an Australian context is necessary, and the anticipated benefits for local communities.
- Cite data and findings found in sector reports, data communities and white papers. Below is a useful, but in no way comprehensive, list of sites and tools to consider referencing:
- Social welfare: ACOSS, University of Melbourne Social Vulnerability Index, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Department of Social Services Benefits Payment Data, Specialist homelessness services data
- Children & Young People: Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas, The State of Australia’s Children Report, AIHW (Children & Youth Reports), Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) by school, Mission Australia’s Youth Survey
- Health & Disability: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, NDIS Quarterly reports, National Mental Health Commission
- Environment: CSIRO’s State of the Climate Report, Environment Information Australia
- International Aid: Our World in Data charts, International Aid Transparency Initiative
- Multiple sectors: Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, Centre for Social Impact
- Regional & Remote Communities: FRRR’s Community Data Tool
- Customised data “suitcases” and collective data sharing: Seer Data
- Look beyond statistics: Explain the impact that the issue or challenge your organisation is addressing has on individuals and society – whether that’s physical, psychological, social or financial. Never presume the reader already knows this. If attachments are permitted, a Theory of Change or Program Logic document can be a handy way to illustrate the connections between your activities, expected outcomes and anticipated impact.
Key Tips & Takeaways:
- Don’t assume your prospective funder is as well versed or passionate about your cause as you are (although they could be of course). Spell it out and stay away from jargon.
- There’s a whole smorgasbord of ways in which you can demonstrate need. Avoid vague filler phrases such as “There is a clear need for this project” and don’t rely on ABS statistics alone to persuade the assessor.
- Remember, dot points are ok. If the word count is tight, remove the fluff.
- Focus on your beneficiaries, not your organisation. Even if you’re seeking support for operational costs, explain how this will improve program delivery and support your beneficiaries.
- And remember, the ultimate goal is to paint a picture answering the question “What will happen if this project doesn’t go ahead now?”.
Not sure if your applications are striking the right chord? Our team of experienced Grants Strategists can conduct a comprehensive review of your submission and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen your chances of success.
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Additional resources
Top Tips for Writing a Gold Medal Grant Application
About the author
Erica Blaney is a Grants Strategist at Strategic Grants, based in Western Australia, with more than 19 years’ experience across the for‑purpose sector.
At Strategic Grants, she works closely with charities to strengthen their grant‑seeking practice, helping organisations navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape and adopt best‑practice strategies that maximise impact.
With a background in health promotion and a career spanning events fundraising, philanthropy, tender writing and grant‑seeking, Erica brings a deep understanding of how funders assess applications and make funding decisions. Her work is grounded in practical insight, sector intelligence, and a strong commitment to building sustainable funding capability within for-purpose organisations.