Case Statements

A case statement is a one-page document that provides the vision for your fundraising efforts. It clearly explains why you are raising funds. You can use the case statement as the basis for brochures, letters, online announcements, and other materials that support your campaign. Share it with staff and your partner organizations so that everyone understands the fundraising need—and benefits—that underlie your campaign.

You will give the case statement document to potential donors when you make a formal funding request. However, as you meet prospects, you can share with them verbally a summary that conveys, in a nutshell, why your organization—and funding its programs—is important.

Your case statement should…

• Attract a donor’s attention.
  
• Succinctly and powerfully explain why a donor should invest in your organization.

The case statement should clearly lay out the donor’s needs, provide a plan of action, and demonstrate how the donor’s participation will better the community. The case statement should convey an air of urgency. Make it personal. Start with an emotional appeal, then back it up with a sound analysis of why the upcoming project and donor funding are important.

To make the best impression possible, your case statement should be written well and look professional.

Elements of a case statement:

• Opportunity: Outline the opportunity you hope to address with the funding you seek, plus any trends that affect this opportunity. Say why this issue is vitally important.
• Stories: To personalize your funding request and appeal to your donors’ emotions, use quotes and/or stories of children and parents your organization has helped.
• Plan: Explain how you will address the opportunity. Include your goals and specific strategies, and detail the resources you plan to use. Lay out your plan to meet continued needs in the future. Say why your organization is uniquely positioned to address this issue.
• Mission and Goals: Spell out how your current funding request fits your overall mission, and explain what you hope to achieve with this particular opportunity.
• Performance: Share your organization’s history and track record to show funders your demonstrated successes.
• Costs: Outline the costs, and the impact of the donors’ funds.
• Accountability: Detail how you will comply with laws and deliver results.
• Evaluation: Share your plan for evaluating the project—and measuring your progress.
• Donor’s Role: Explain how the donor can help you address this opportunity. Then discuss how assisting in this project can help the donor meet its own organizational goals—or his or her personal aspirations. Also say how you will recognize the donor’s contributions.