3 benefits of creating a strong case statement for your nonprofit
By Alexis Kollay D’Ettorre, Hedges
A case statement, also called a case for support, is a concise, persuasive document that tells a nonprofit organization’s story— why it’s needed, how it’s making a difference, and why people should be excited to support it. We often think of case statements serving a limited purpose, perhaps being a presentation of your work to major funders. However, a case statement has the potential to fill many gaps and meet multiple needs for your organization.
A case statement is a powerful tool that helps nonprofit organizations raise funds, build relationships, develop programs, and fulfill their mission. It serves as a vital component of a successful fundraising strategy and is a valuable asset for any organization. In this article, we will outline what a case statement is and identify the top three benefits of a strong nonprofit case statement.
What is a case statement?
A case statement should inform and convince, which is a practice dating back centuries. Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with establishing how to effectively make an argument using ethos, logos, and pathos in his treatise Rhetoric (4th century BCE). These three tools are effective devices to persuade an audience, and they come in handy when developing a case statement (Grant Prose for Grant Pros Workshop, 2022). Ethos, referring to ethics, is the establishment of authority or credibility. This is the nonprofit’s opportunity to encourage the reader to trust them by showcasing their qualifications. Logos, referring to logic, is an appeal to the audience’s reason. What data can you use to persuade your audience? Pathos, referring to emotion, is the chance to appeal to an audience’s feelings.