Five tips for creating a great case for support
Over the last few months, I’ve been fortunate to work on case documents (or case statements, whatever you call them) for a diverse group of clients ranging from the Vancouver International Writers Festival to Washington’s Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, Yaletown House seniors’ centre and the Crisis Centre of BC.
Let me define what I mean by “case statement.” Most of the groups I work with are mid-sized or small. Budgets are often less than $3 million and some are as small as a few hundred thousand per year. Their development shops are small too — three people or less. They don’t tend to develop comprehensive internal case documents. They jump right to the public case for support and that’s where these tips should be helpful.
1. Before you write your first word, decide how the case will be used. Will it be emailed, mailed, used in face-to-face meetings, fit with other fundraising pieces or stand-alone? This will dictate format and length.
2. Show how you solve problems that the donor cares about – for the community, the planet or worthy people. Spend a third of your case describing the problems and the balance providing solutions.
3. Engage readers by being specific. Stories with memorable or unusual details will stay with readers longer than dry organizational facts or program descriptions.
4. Put as much care into the design and imagery as the text. Design gives energy, style and clarity to your words. It should help you stand out from your competitors.
5. Get structured feedback on the first draft from members of the intended audience. Asking donors and prospective supporters for their opinion is a wonderful way to ensure that what you say is reaching people.
This is the cover of a case I just finished with the Crisis Centre of BC. Email me and I will be happy to share a copy with you.
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July 26th, 2007 at 8:46 am
Good tips! Thank you! I am beginning to prepare case documents for my organization, and this will be helpful. By the way, I would love to see a copy of the case above.
Peace,
Matthew
October 8th, 2007 at 8:45 am
I recently began working for a non-profit children’s theatre school. I believe so deeply in what we are doing here and have decided to research ways to get much needed support from corporations and the community. I am so looking forward to seeing the copy for the case above to hopefully start me in the right direction.
Have a wonderful day,
Donna
October 8th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
This was perfect timing for me, great motivation to begin the case statements I know we need. Please send me a copy of the sample.
Thanks,
Alice
October 9th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Nice work. Looking forward to getting a copy.
October 11th, 2007 at 7:44 am
We have been working hard to solicit support for our organization. The tips will be a great help as we continue our efforts. Please send me a copy of the sample.
Thanks,
Valeria
August 19th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Is it still possible to get a copy of the sample? I’d love to see it.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Thanks for the great start. I’d appreciate seeing the case study for the Crisis Center.
Thank you.
July 27th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Hello! I’m hoping I can still obtain a copy of the case study above. I am putting a case of support together for a not for profit I have just started working at and it would be great to see the work you’ve done. Thank you!
August 7th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Hi
This was really useful. I am writing a case statement for a small but successful Indonesian conservation organisation (Friends of the National Park Foundation) and struggling with how to pull it all together. I would love to see your example or any example to get an idea about how to do mine better.
Many thanks
Joan Cornish
September 24th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Hello,
I would love to get a copy of your case!
I am beginning work on a case for our emergency shelter and your example would be awesome.
thanks
mary
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:44 am
This is very helpful. Could I get a copy? Thanks!
November 30th, 2009 at 12:28 am
I too, would love a copy of the case as a sample of how to get an idea of how to start. Thanks so very much!
December 16th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I would also love a copy of the sample case. Tips are very helpful. Thank you!
January 11th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I am desperate for help with writing a case statement.
Please email a copy of your Crisis Center case.
With gratitude,
Lynn
July 19th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Great tips for creating a case statement. Could please email ne a copy of your Crisis center example.
Thanks in advance,
Ernie
July 29th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
I am looking for ideas on how to write a case statement. A sample would definitely be much better than just describing what and how it it should be. Unfortunately, I am against a deadline. I’ve love to get a sample if you could email it to me ASAP…hopefully in the next 24 hours.
Much gratitude.
Maly