What is a case for support?

A case for support, also known as a case statement, is a donor focused document that explains to prospective donors how their investments in your organization will help make the community a better place. A good case for support can be an excellent tool to help explain why the work your organization does is important, and persuades people to support your cause.

Does your nonprofit organization need a case for support?

Does your organization write grants? Can it benefit from donations? Do you hold any annual fundraising events? Then, absolutely, yes! In fact, every nonprofit organization should have a case for support. Not only because it is a wonderful opportunity to create a compelling story of your work, but also because the language can be reused and repurposed for all of your various fundraising efforts which will reduce the day-to-day burden on your team.

How is the case for support used?

Your case for support is the foundation for much of your organization’s external communication and everyone in your organization should be familiar with it. It allows your team to have consistency when speaking about the work that you do, and your fundraising goals. Language from your case for support can be used across all of your communications mediums, or even as talking points for staff and board members who attend community events. When your team is able to deliver a consistent message, it helps to build trust and credibility with those that support you, and the community at large.

How long is a case for support?

There is no predetermined formula for how long a case for support should be, and it can vary from organization to organization. Larger, or well-established nonprofits might produce extensive case statements extending over 20 pages. These comprehensive documents are a reflection of their large operations and complex needs. On the other hand, smaller organizations may find that a concise document between two to four pages is more appropriate. Additionally, a smaller document may make it easier for their supporters to understand their needs and provide the necessary support.

What format should the case for support be in?

Depending on your organization's preference a case for support can be in many formats. These can be physical documents, which can be easily distributed among your team members. They can also be left behind for potential donors to review at their convenience, giving them a chance to understand your cause in depth. Alternatively, electronic documents offer the same benefits with the added convenience of easy sharing via email.

Aside from traditional documents, videos can serve as a powerful tool for sharing your case for support. Videos can captivate audiences with dynamic storytelling, visuals, and sound, bringing your cause to life in a way that resonates emotionally with viewers. This makes videos a compelling medium to convey your organization's mission and the impact of potential donations. Regardless of the format chosen, the key is to present a clear, compelling case that demonstrates the importance of your cause.

Does it need to be professionally designed?

Your case for support does not need to be professionally designed; however, if you have the budget you can hire a designer to create a case for support that matches your organization’s current branding. Also, written documents can become more eye-catching when infographics and pictures are added. This can also be achieved with cost effective design tools such as Canva. Always consider your organization’s budget and needs when determining whether it’s possible to work with a designer.

What should be included in the case for support?

A strong case for support can include:

An overview of initiatives that require funding. It’s important to share with potential donors what they are investing in, and what the fundraising goal is.
Testimonials. Sharing the words and stories of the people you serve is incredibly impactful and compelling to prospective donors.
Statistics and research. You can complement your stories and testimonials with a balance of evidence-based information. While stories help create an emotional impact, sharing measurable outcomes can be equally important in helping donors who are considering a financial investment in your cause.

If you are new to creating a case for support it will certainly take some work, but this can be offset by collaborating with a fundraising consultant, or engaging volunteers to help with the work. Having a case statement is a great step towards building relationships with donors and securing more funds for your organization, allowing you to continue to fulfill your mission into the future.

Building Your Nonprofit Case for Support: The Basics