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Recently, I watched the movie True Cost, a documentary about the human cost of fast fashion. This documentary did an excellent job of making a case. The film did a great job of informing the viewer of what is wrong with fast fashion and moved the viewer to want to do something to eliminate or at least reduce the negative effects of fast fashion. How did it do this? It provided several examples of real people who were negatively affected by fast fashion. Story after story, image after image the film provided evidence of the problem. It made a case for the negative effects on people and the environment that was directly related to the fast fashion market. The point was clear; we have a problem, a fatal and costly problem.

In fundraising, it is necessary to create a case statement. It is necessary to help prospective donors have a clear picture of the problem and feel the urgency to fix it. One of the first steps in a fundraising campaign is to prepare a case statement. Having a case statement prepared will help you when you send emails and appeals to existing and prospective donors, request donations through your website, and apply for grants. In each of these fundraising efforts you may not use the entire case statement, but most likely you will pull from elements of the case statement.

Case Statement Defined

So what exactly is a case statement? A case statement is a document that clearly defines the purpose of your request; the reason your organization is seeking financial support. Though this definition may sound simple, the case statement actually requires a lot of thought and may even require quite a bit of research. The goal of the case statement is to convince a donor to support your organization. The case statement needs to be loaded with information. Be careful: it needs to be loaded with information that donors want to know. Write the case statement from the standpoint of the potential donor.

Key Questions to Answer in Developing Your Case

To help guide the process of developing a case statement, below are key questions to answer in developing your case:

1. Why does your organization exist?
2. What is the compelling need?
3. What evidence is there that this is a pressing need?
4. How is your organization uniquely qualified to tackle this need?
5. What is your proposed solution or activity?
6. How will you measure your progress of solving the problem?
7. What will the proposed solution or project cost? Over what period of time?
   

   Information to Include in a Case Statement
   

   Introduction

   • Inspiring
   • Emotional
   Focused on an individual when possible (the power of one)

   Background Information

   • History of the institution
   • Reason for its founding
   • Organization’s mission
   Noteworthy accomplishments

   The Current Situation

   • Current activities of the organization
   • Organization’s success among target audience
   • Special programs and/or services
   Facts and figures regarding its operation

   The Problem or Need

   • Description of the compelling need
   • Evidence of existence of compelling need
   Opportunities to address the need

   The Proposed Solution

   • The organization’s proposed solution
   • Evidence the proposed solution will work
   • Evaluation plan
   Intended results of the plan

   Proposed Cost and Sources of Funding

   • Proposed budget for program/project
   • Current sources of funding available
   Plan for obtaining the difference in funding

   The Ask

   • Proposed project/program goal
   • Tax-deductibility of gifts
   • Timing of fundraising project
   Benefits of a successful fundraising project to the target audience

   When you have finished writing your case statement, ask yourself these two key questions:

   Will the case capture and hold the reader’s attention?
   Will the case inspire donors to give?

   Examples:
   If you are anything like me, you need an example. So I have searched the web to find sample case statements to help you write your own.
   http://gailterrygrimes.com/case_statements_proposals.html
   http://www.bgcosh.org/get-involved/planned-giving-case-statement.aspx

   References:
   Grimes, Gail Terry. Case Statements (and Proposals and Brochures). Retrieved from http://gailterrygrimes.com/case_statements_proposals.html.
   Moran, JD. M.S. Ed William J. Create a Strong Case Statement for Fundraising Campaign. Retrieved from http://www.morancompany.com/create-a-strong-case-statement/.
   Wheeler, Jr., Roy P. The Case Statement – One of the Four Elements of a Campaign. Retrieved from http://www.cdsfunds.com/the_case_statement_one_of_the_four_elements_of_a_campaign.html.