A baseline assessment is the process of gathering data about the current situation or conditions before starting a project or intervention. It provides a reference point for measuring progress and impact. A needs assessment involves identifying the specific needs, challenges, and priorities of a community or target group.
NGOs need both because they help ensure that interventions are relevant, targeted, and effective. The baseline assessment establishes the starting point for measuring outcomes, while the needs assessment ensures that the NGO addresses the actual needs of the community, making the project more impactful and aligned with beneficiaries’ priorities.