1. Institute for Nonprofit Organizations
The Case Statement
Thomas P. Holland, Ph.D.
Institute for Nonprofit Organizations
University of Georgia

2. Definition
The case statement is a brief, clear written statement that communicates the organization’s purpose and its program and financial needs. It provides a persuasive answer to why you are conducting this fundraising campaign and why the organization merits philanthropic support.

3. The Case should answer these questions
Who is this organization and what is it trying to do? Why does it exist?
What is distinctive about the organization?
What must be accomplished?
How will this campaign enable it be accomplished?
How can the donor become involved?
What’s in it for donor – why become involved?
Action steps and contact information

4. Components Mission and vision of this organization
Statement of the community need/ problem
Goals of the campaign
Giving options
Urgency: why should you act now?
Steps for becoming involved
Material should be brief and persuasive, including both rational and emotional elements

5. Developing a Case for Support
Board, staff and volunteers should be involved in developing the case statement.
The case statement focuses on important responses to community needs
It draws upon strategic goals of the organization and linking fundraising with planning, marketing, staffing, and services.
What form should the case statement take?
Large forms for more extensive presentations
Small forms to convey concise message

6. Variables Audience Style, tone Length Uses Graphics
Prospective individual donors, corporate donors, community leaders, volunteers, media, partners…
Style, tone
Emotional, businesslike, low-frills, glossy…
Length
Uses
Raising individual gifts, corporate gifts, volunteers, publicity, political support, partners, training staff, special events…
Graphics
Photos, charts, testimonials, before/after images…

7. Case Statement should include
Brief description of organization
History, board, staff, accomplishments.
Mission statement
Statement of community need or problem
Goals and objectives of proposed response
Funding needs to accomplish those goals
Amount of need; length of time needed; cash and/or in-kind; resources in hand

8. Benefits/costs of acting/not acting
How will clients benefit? Organization? Community?
Statement of organizational capability
Does organization have the capacity to fulfill its commitment to these goals?
Resources
Current funding partners, volunteers, community support
Future plans
How will this organization or program finance itself over the next 3-5 years?

9. What is accomplished with a case statement?
Internal benefits:
key representatives of the organization speak from same page
Process of developing case statement offers opportunity to negotiate/resolve internal differences on goals
Links important organizational activities, such as strategic planning, marketing and fundraising.

10. External benefits: Clear, consistent message to community
Organizational legitimacy
Visibility for your cause
Fund raising easier to accomplish
Also helps to raise non-financial resources (partners, volunteers)