| A case statement is a concise document that clearly | | | | how many do you serve? What are your primary |
| explains what need your organization seeks to meet, | | | | programs or areas of focus? |
| how you have and plan to meet that need, and what | | | | 4. Results. What results has your organization |
| you could achieve with additional resources. Your | | | | achieved so far? What are your future plans? |
| case statement should be prepared for your donors | | | | Planning to increase? |
| and prospects, so keep it focused on them and what | | | | 5. The Ask. Why are you asking for money? What is |
| they are interested in. Don't make the mistake of | | | | the cost of the work you are doing? What does it |
| writing it so that only "insiders" can understand it. | | | | cost you to provide one unit of service? If this is a |
| Your case statement will serve as the foundational | | | | particular campaign, how much are you trying to |
| piece for all other promotional documents, such as | | | | raise? How will the money be spent? How can people |
| brochures, grants, and press releases. It details your | | | | contact you to donate? |
| organization's mission, vision, history, and reason for | | | | Tips for creating a successful, compelling case |
| seeking funds. | | | | statement:o Know your audience. Put yourself in your |
| It does not need to be a lengthy document, but it | | | | donor's shoes and think about the things he or she is |
| must cover the important pieces. | | | | interested in about your organization.o Write for an |
| Format for creating your case statement | | | | audience of one. Think about a specific donor and |
| 1. History. Describe your organization and tell a brief | | | | write to him or her.o Make sure your case statement |
| history of your organization. What makes you | | | | answers the question "Why do these folks deserve |
| special? | | | | my support?"o Be sure to also answer "What will my |
| 2. Challenge and ramifications. What are the | | | | gift accomplish?" Donors want to know how their gift |
| challenges/threats your organization faces? What will | | | | will make a difference.o Include key statistics if they |
| be the impact on the community and the population | | | | will support your explanation of the need.o Write with |
| you serve if those challenges go unmet? | | | | passion. If your reader isn't moved to give, your case |
| 3. Who you are and what you do. What is your | | | | statement won't do you any good. |
| mission/vision? How large is your organization and | | | | |