As a nonprofit fundraising leader, you know that your case for support is essential to your success. But did you know that the average case statement is dry, dense, and full of industry jargon? If you want to create a case statement that converts donors, you need to focus on three things: simplicity, stories, and solution.
The Power of Simplicity
The first step to creating a case statement that converts donors is to keep it simple. You might be tempted to pack your case statement full of statistics and data points, but resist the urge! Too much information will only serve to overwhelm potential donors and turn them off from giving. Instead, focus on making your case statement clear and concise. Get rid of any industry jargon or acronyms that might not be familiar to the average reader, and stick to language that is easy to understand. You should also avoid using general statements; be specific about what you need and why it matters. Finally, make sure your case statement is visually appealing—use short paragraphs, bullet points, and headers to break up the text and make it easy to scan.
The Stories that Matter
Your case statement should also tell a story—the story of how your organization is making a difference in the world. This is where you have the opportunity to connect with potential donors on an emotional level and really sell them on why they should give. When crafting your story, focus on featuring real people who have been helped by your organization. Whether it’s a client who has overcome addiction or a student who has gone on to graduate from college, personal stories are always more powerful than statistics. Be sure to also include quotes from staff members, clients, volunteers, or Board members throughout your case statement; hearing directly from the people involved in your work will help potential donors feel connected to your cause.
The Solution They’re Looking For
Finally, you need to provide potential donors with a solution—a way for them to get involved in your work. This means including a call-to-action (CTA) at the end of your case statement that tells readers what they can do to help. Your CTA could be something as simple as asking them to donate now or telling them how they can volunteer their time. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s specific and actionable so that potential donors know exactly what they need to do next.
Elements of a Great Case for Support
Vision: Your case for support should articulate a compelling vision for change. This vision should be bold and inspire others to take action. It should answer the question: “What would the world look like if we achieved our mission?”
Needs Assessment: Your case for support should include a needs assessment that demonstrates the problem you are trying to solve. This assessment should be evidence-based and data-driven. It should answer the question: “Why does our organization exist?”
Solutions: Your case for support should highlight the solutions your nonprofit is offering to address the problem at hand. These solutions should be innovative and impactful. They should answer the question: “How will we achieve our mission?”
Your case for support should answer three key questions:
1. Who are you?
2. What do you do?
3. Why does your work matter?
Answering these questions will help you articulate the needs of your organization and how donations can help you meet those needs. It is important to remember that potential donors are more likely to give to organizations that they feel connected to and that have a clear plan for how their donation will be used. Your case for support should be designed to build relationships with potential donors and inform them about the impact of their donation.
Keep in mind that your case for support is not a one-time document; it should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure that it accurately reflects the current state of your organization. You may also want to create multiple versions of your case for support, depending on the audience you are trying to reach. For example, you might have a different case for an individual donor than you would for a corporate donor.
Your case for support is one of the most important tools in your fundraising arsenal. A well-crafted case for support can help you build relationships with potential donors, raise awareness about your organization, and increase donations. Remember to review and update your case for support on a regular basis so that it accurately reflects the needs of your organization. And don’t forget to tailor your message based on the audience you’re trying to reach; a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work here. With a little time and effort, your case for support can make all the difference in reaching your fundraising goals.
Why does a nonprofit need a case for support?
While some nonprofits view the development of a case for support as a daunting task, it is actually quite straightforward. Here are four reasons why every nonprofit needs a case for support:
1. A Case for Support Helps Donors Understand How Their Gifts Will Be Used
When donors give to a nonprofit, they want to know that their money is going to be used effectively. A case for support helps donors understand exactly how their contributions will be used and the impact that they can expect to see from their giving. This level of transparency is important in building trust with donors and ensuring that they remain loyal supporters of the organization.
2. A Case for Support Keeps the Organization Focused on Its Mission
Developing a case for support forces nonprofits to really think about why they exist and what they are trying to achieve. articulating this information in a clear and concise way requires distilling the organization’s mission down to its essence. This process can be extremely helpful in keeping the nonprofit focused on its core goals and ensuring that everyone within the organization is working towards the same objectives.
3. A Case For Support Makes It Easy to Approach Potential Donors
When approaching potential donors, having a case for support handy makes it easy to explain exactly what the organization does and why someone should consider donating to it. This takes the guesswork out of asking potential donors for money and makes it more likely that they will actually follow through with a gift. Additionally, having a printed case for support document shows that the organization is professional and prepared, which can further increase the likelihood of getting a donation.
4. A Case For Support Can Be Used As Marketing Material
In addition to being used when soliciting donations from individuals, a case for support can also be used as marketing material when applying for grants or seeking corporate sponsorships. It provides an excellent overview of the organization and its work, which can be helpful in securing funding from other sources.
As you can see, there are many good reasons why every nonprofit needs a case for support. If your organization does not have one already, now is the time to get started on developing one. Doing so will help you raise more money, keep your team focused on your mission, and make it easier to approach potential donors. When it comes time to solicit donations, you’ll be glad you have a case for support in hand!
Creating a case statement can seem daunting, but if you keep these three things in mind—simplicity, stories, and solution—you’ll be well on your way to crafting a document that converts donors. Remember: keep it simple, tell a story, and provide a way for potential donors to get involved. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to writing a case statement that packs a punch!
