Conduct your research before you begin your statement of need. Find evidence that indicates there is a need for your service or project and data to support the existence of a problem and your need for the grant. Gather statistics for quantitative research from questionnaires and use case studies for qualitative data.
Describe the population -- any collective group of people, organizations or charities -- the grant will serve should you receive it. State who will benefit if you are given the grant, for example a local community. Outline how the population will benefit, focusing on the human interest angle.
Support your statement with facts. Once you have illustrated why your organization deserves the grant from a human interest point of view, demonstrate why it deserves it factually. Bring in qualitative and quantitative research such as questionnaires and statistics to support your plea.
Relate the problem you are addressing back to your company or organization. How does the grant tie in with its goals and targets? For example if your business target is to reach out to a wider, under-served audience, then state how the grant will help you achieve this.
Relate the project to the organization you are presenting your proposal to help illustrate how the project is of interest to its members. Here, you should establish your organization as being capable of solving the problem.
Present in detail how you will use the grant. Take into account, staff salaries and overhead costs as well as more specific estimated expenditures for the project. Try to be as realistic as possible with your projections.