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

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.

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

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

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

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…

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

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?

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.

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)