What You Need to Know About Your UVP
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Before you build a strong value proposition, you need a simple structure that helps funders understand what you do and why it matters.
These four elements form the foundation of your work and shape how funders interpret your strength, focus, and readiness.
The Problem You Serve
Your problem statement describes the pain point or barrier your work addresses. Keep it specific so funders can understand what is at stake.
What is happening right now
Why this issue matters
What continues when this issue goes unaddressed
A well-grounded problem statement gives direction to everything that follows.
Who You Serve
Your audience must be clearly defined. Funders want to see who benefits from your work and why this group is central to your mission.
The specific people you support
The conditions or context that shape their experience
Why this group aligns with your purpose
This level of detail helps funders understand your reach and intention.
Your Solution
Your solution reflects what you are offering today. It shows how you interpret the problem and the steps you’re taking to address it.
What you deliver right now
How you deliver it
What distinguishes your approach
Early signals that your work is gaining traction
This is where your value becomes visible.
Your Capacity
Capacity shows what you can reliably execute with the team, time, and resources you have.
What your team handles well
The systems or tools you already use
Where additional support will strengthen your next phase
This helps funders see that their investment will be used with purpose.
How These Elements Work Together
When these four elements reinforce each other, your work feels grounded and aligned. Funders see a clear throughline from the problem to the people you serve, to the solution you’ve built, to the capacity you hold today.
Example: A founder working to expand access to postpartum care may serve new mothers facing gaps in support, offer community-based services with trained doulas, and have the operational structure to support growth into two new regions.
A strong UVP grows from this foundation. You’ll build on it in the lessons ahead as we shape your value, gather proof, and position your work for funding.