The Importance of Looking at the Problem First

Sometimes, believe it or not, it is difficult to actually identify what the real problem is. Grant writers deal with the full range of social, economic, and environmental problems. Governmental entities may deal with a lack of public infrastructure, a high crime rate, poor economic indicators, lack of recreational facilities, public health concerns, weaknesses in the public education system, and the need to preserve cultural and historic resources. Nonprofits typically deal with the need for supplemental educational activities, the need for assistance to destitute individuals, sports and after-school programs, the need for job and life skills training and mentoring, housing problems, the natural environment, and a whole host of other needs which are not met by governmental entities.

In many situations, the problem is clear. A good example would be a city government which might be aware of a street which is in need of sidewalk repair or replacement. Obviously the need exists to either build a new sidewalk or repair the old one. Likewise, the consequences of the problem are also obvious. In this example, the deteriorated condition of the sidewalk leads to unsafe conditions which include the risk that elderly or frail individuals may trip or fall. The unsightly condition of the sidewalks may contribute to neighborhood blight, which in turn lowers property values and causes economic problems for the residents.

An outdated sewage treatment plant will lead to a lack of capacity for new development, which hinders the economic growth of an area. In addition, the poor condition of the plant may result in inefficient service to the residents and cause higher user fees. The repair of the plant or the construction of a new one will solve the problem. In both examples given, the problem is easy to identify. Existing infrastructure is not adequate to serve the needs of the residents. Once this infrastructure is repaired or replaced, the problem is resolved.

Other types of projects require a more thoughtful approach to identifying the problem. Let us take the case of a nonprofit which wishes to find a way to lower the high dropout rate at the high schools in its area. The high dropout rate is what I call “the presenting problem” or the end result of other societal problems. These other problems include what society as a whole assumes to be the cause of the presenting problem-lack of familial encouragement; devaluation at home of the merits of education; lack of economic resources, thus resulting in a need for the student to work in addition to going to school; lack of other wholesome activities for youth in the community; and living in a high crime atmosphere which makes it difficult to study.

These are actually the underlying causes of the high dropout rate according to common wisdom as well as documented studies. The nonprofit which is looking for a way to resolve the problem will need to tailor the program to address the underlying causes. For example, the program may include coursework on the value of getting a good education in order to counteract the opposite attitude being prevalent at home. It is much more difficult to address the crime and economic issues. This is where the nonprofit may wish to cooperate with the local law enforcement agency in order to bring about more police presence in the neighborhood in which the youth live. A well-designed program may also link the parents, job services, and job training in order to eliminate the economic stress being felt by the student and his or her family.

This example was given in order to demonstrate how one specific result-i.e., the dropout rate, cannot be addressed without working specifically on the underlying causes. In some cases, additional tutoring alone can be enough to reduce the number of dropouts. However, the most effective programs offer multiple services to address multiple causes. This is why it is important to dig a little further in order to identify the underlying causes of the problem. Research into the design of similar programs across the country can and must be undertaken. However, it is essential to take into account factors which are unique to your area. This process may sound somewhat complex, but it greatly adds to the chances for success of a project.