Crafting the Case Statement

April 16, 2010

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Workshop Agenda9:00 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

Quick refresher- our last sessionUnderstand what is meant by “Case Statement”Understand how a case statement is usedReview some sample case statements

10:30 Break

11:30 Developing story banks11:45 Review writing and edit tips

Noon Lunch

10:45 Practice developing a case statement11:15 De-brief exercise

• How do we address fundraising during challenging How do we address fundraising during challenging economic times?economic times?

• Where does our funding come from?Where does our funding come from?

• What elements are essential for fundraising successWhat elements are essential for fundraising success??

Quick Refresher

The Fundraising Pyramid

Planned Gift

Capital Campaign

Major Gift

Repeat Donor

First-time Donor

Universe of Donors

Fundraising Success1. A Compelling Case

2. Defined Needs

3. Realistic Goals

4. Identified Prospects

5. Volunteer Leadership

6. Public Relations/ Marketing

7. Time and Timing

8. Adequate Staff

9. Budget

The Case Statement• The nonprofit’s business plan:

all the reasons why someone should support you

• More than just your organization– looks at the greater need

• Becomes the basis for grant proposals and solicitation of donors

• The benefits-oriented explanation of the fund raising campaign.

• From this document, the campaign brochure, campaign prospectus, video, newsletters and other materials will be created.

Elements of a Case Statement

• The title• Grabbing the reader• The irrefutable case• Your unique position• Waving the flag• Reinforcing the urgency• Making it happen• Closing summary

Anwer these questionsWhat problem are we trying to address?

What program are we offering to address the problem?

Why is this important?

Who is our market?

What do we need from donors? What are the financial needs?

Why are we uniquely qualified to solve the problem?

Sample Case Statementshttp://www.capitalcampaigns.com/case_statements/case_health_center.php

http://www.capitalcampaigns.com/case_statements/case_mcdonald_house.php

http://www.mountosb.org/kwc/caseStatement08.pdf

http://blackrockarts.org/about/case.html

Tips for preparing the case statement

Involve key staff, board members, donors, and volunteers. Have only one writer Longer isn’t necessarily better Use simple, brief, understandable language Be convincing and optimistic Present a positive image Base it on the organization’s strengths not needs Project the future, not the past Tell the story with pictures and charts, where possible Make the case from the prospect’s point of interest Demonstrate the capacity to solve problems that are

important to donors. Show the organization’s needs and wants are a good

investment.

Someone is going to ask you

• About community “voice” (buy-in, engagement, support)

• About your collaborative partnerships• About your sustainability plan• Why addressing this need is so important

And you need to be ready to ANSWER.

Exercise 1

Select a recorder and a reporter for your group

Select an organization for which you’ll develop the case statement

Focus on the “The Challenge” portion of the case statement

Outline “The Challenge” being addressed by this nonprofit; what urgent, irrefutable need is being handled?

What stories, statistics will you try to collect to illustrate your case?

• The story of your nonprofit• Quotes, testimonials, case studies, photos• Illustrate your mission in action• The people behind the statistics• Provide the emotional hook for why your organization is needed

Creating a Story Bank

Find the ideas From staff, clients, volunteers, letters

Craft the words Meet & interview, gain permission, photo

File them Central repository where you can find them with contact info, dates, etc

Share the stories- Media releases, brochures, letters, website

Creating a Story Bank

Keep it simple; avoid jargon Avoid intimidating the reader with too verbiage Illustrate your story- give examples, describe the benefits Make it interesting; tell a story Use photos, graphs, bullet points to make your point Don’t forget branding Back compelling statements with facts Be complete without being exhaustive

Writing & Editing Tips

UltimatelyYou are offering “someone” the opportunity to advance your mission, support your cause, change the world…

… is that message clear?

By the end of reading a good case, a reader should understand why your organization exists, how it responds to real community needs, and why it should be sustained as an organization or allowed to grow.

NorthSky Online Resource Centerwww.northskynonprofitnetwork.org

Thank YouContact NorthSky at:231.929.3934www.northskynonprofitnetwork.org

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