1. Start with your case for support

Case for Support

• Foundation of fundraising plan: A clear case for support.

Defines:

• What your ministry does.
• Why do you do it.
• Why it matters.
• Why people (individuals, churches, grant-makers) should support.
• Uses: Forms the base of all fundraising efforts → appeals, grant proposals, major gifts, online + community giving.

Importance:

• Donors face many competing causes.
• Leaders must communicate the mission in a way that motivates giving.
• Case for support keeps message focused, compelling, and unifying.
• Outcome: Provides clarity for staff, supporters, and volunteers → all aligned with the ministry’s mission.

• Why does your ministry exist? – Your vision
• What goals you intend to accomplish? – Your ministry objectives
• How you intend to reach these goals? – Your mission
• What programmes or services do you offer?
• Who provides those programmes or services?
• Who are the beneficiaries of your programmes or services and how are their lives being impacted by your work?
• Why are you best positioned to provide these programmes or services?
• How much money do you need to carry out your work in the next three years?
• What are your fundraising goals for the next three years?
• How will you be accountable to all participants in your mission for accomplishing your ministry goals and using your resources wisely?

• Get a group of people from your key audiences (staff, supporters, volunteers, beneficiaries) together and brainstorm ideas in response to question outlined the case for support template.
• See what comes up. Let those creative juices start to flow!
• Ask one person within your organisation to distil all the brainstormed ideas.
• If you are responsible for writing the first draft of your ministry’s case for support, be concise, creative and keep to the point.
• Before giving the case for support out to Christian grant making bodies or to potential major givers, get some feedback from current supporters and volunteers who love your cause.