Author: Bianca Williams
Does your organisation have a compelling and powerful document that motivates prospective donors to support your programs?
A Case for Support is a compelling document targeted to your philanthropic donors – both current and prospective. It sets the scene of why your organisation exists, the need it is meeting, how it is meeting the need, the organisation’s accomplishments and why it needs support to do more. It makes a statement that clearly outlines what prospective donors might accomplish by choosing to donate to your organisation.
It should drive your prospective donors to want to be involved in achieving your vision; and existing donors to want to be more involved.
What information should be included in a Case for Support document?
Typically, a Case for Support will be no more than 10 pages – the purpose of the document is not to provide extensive detail but rather the key facts and a snazzy visual presentation of the project for which you need to secure funding.
Key items of information to include are:
* Background information about the organisation
* Your organisation’s key achievements and track record
* Explanation of the need your organisation is addressing / service gap it is filling
* The solution – how your organisation will address the need
* Funding required – clear budget detailing the financial need
* Quotes from project stakeholders and case studies
* Benefits to the community
* Call to Action
What is the look and feel of a Case for Support document?
The order of information is very important when planning the layout of a Case for Support document – essentially you have a limited number of pages to impart sufficient information to motivate your prospective donor to make a significant donation.
How do you engage the reader, and keep them engaged?
Take them on a journey of the project; from the beginning to end. That is, what will be the outcome of their support for the beneficiaries or cause.
The Cover Page should include the Project Title, your logo, a powerful statement to engage the audience, an invitation to be involved, and images that represent the project.
Each page after that needs to be strategically laid out to ensure key information is included, in a logical flow, and matched with relevant imagery and powerful quotes and case studies.
How and when to use the Case for Support document
The document should be used to complement a discussion had with a prospective donor. It contains detailed information they can refer back to, and allows them to visualize how their support will help create the impact.
Still have questions around how to prepare a Case for Support document for your organisation?
Jump on line, register and listen to our pre-recorded ‘Case for Support’ webinar – the hour-long webinar provides in-depth detail of the steps above.