Project Rationale

The project rationale is often synonymous with the ‘project justification,’ ‘problem statement,’ or ‘project background’. It is an argument in favor of implementing the proposed project which gives a detailed explanation of why the project is required. It is is an argument that lays out the reasons for implementing the proposed project. In other words, it describes the issues and problems the community faces and how the organization and the proposed project will address these issues with the donor’s help. This section of the proposal is crucial because it is the place where you will convince the funder that it is absolutely necessary to get the grant for implementing your project.

The project rationale should:

  • State the problem as clearly and precisely as possible.
  • Reflect the donor goals and guidelines.
  • Summarize relevant background information about the region, community, and resources available.
  • Include specific information regarding the focus area and beneficiaries, including input from the community.
  • Refer to research data, live examples, past projects, quotes, and media articles to build a case for support.
  • Explain the organizational strength and capacity in addressing this problem and achieving long-term impact.



About the author

Alta Alonzi

Alta Alonzi is a writer and researcher focusing on international development funding and grassroots NGOs. She works with the fundraising consulting company Philantropia conducting research for clients ranging from small NGOs to UN organizations. She also works closely with FundsforNGOs running training webinars, contributing resource guides, and updating the Premium donor database.

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Nabin Raj Moktan
Nabin Raj Moktan
6 years ago

Very very helpfull

Haruna
Haruna
5 years ago
Reply to  Alta Alonzi

This is indeed an insightful article. Thank you.

Emmanuel
Emmanuel
5 years ago

Thanks so much for the information provided

Robert Banda
5 years ago

Very helpful. The Council of Churches in Zambia is currently looking for People like you “Alta Alonzi” to help us get connected to Partners for Funding( we have HIV/AIDS (Gender & Health) department,Social,Economic justice and accountable governance,Emergency and Development,Youth department,Communication,Education,National Chaplaincy)

Jared Ngala
Jared Ngala
5 years ago

An impressive guidance to those in the development world.

Gadlyn Osiime Kamugisha

great work and wonderful

Rahel
Rahel
4 years ago

Thank you Alta, very useful.

Akbar
Akbar
4 years ago

Hi Alta,

I am working on a project and want some profissional assistant. Can i have your email address to share it with you?p

Priti Thapa
Admin
4 years ago
Reply to  Akbar

Dear Akbar: Any questions to the contributor can be sent to info@proposalsforngos.com

obongha oguni
obongha oguni
4 years ago

Concise and helpful. Thanks Alta

Dubem
Dubem
3 years ago

Thanks for this…helpful indeed.

Proposals forNGOs
Proposals forNGOs
3 years ago
Reply to  Dubem

Dear Dubem: I am glad you found this article helpful!

tony
tony
3 years ago

This help me a lot,.. thank you so much!

Matthew Joseph
Matthew Joseph
2 years ago

Hello Alta
It was very interesting to read your outline during my reasearch on project rationale.Furthermore,other related outlines also make me interesting about assisting NGOs and the proposal guidelines.
Shall I have your email address please?

Proposals forNGOs
Proposals forNGOs
2 years ago
Reply to  Matthew Joseph

Hello Matthew: You can reach us at info@proposalsforngos.com. Than you!

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