How to Develop a Community Needs Assessment How to Write a Comprehensive Case Statement How to Write a Marketing Plan How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal How to Manage A Successful New Donor Acquisition Mailing Campaign Great Fundraising Ideas

 

How to Write a Comprehensive Case Statement
For a Non-Profit Organization

Developed By: Strategy Plus/Jerry O. Roberg

A Case statement is the first document that you will need to develop for your non-profit strategy. It is the single most important document because all other marketing and ministry documentation will be developed around your Case Statement. Developing a strong Case Statement is the spring-board in all other development activities, such as developing your:

  • MINISTRY PLAN

  • MARKETING PLAN

  • WEB SITE- DEVELOPMENT

  • MINISTRY BROCHURE

  • SPECIAL EVENT STRATEGY

  • DIRECT MAIL STRATEGY

  • GRANT PROPOSAL STRATEGY

Most Frequently ask Questions:

1. What is a Case Statement?

A Case statement is a Dynamic Document that:

  • Includes your Statement of Purpose, Vision Statement, and Mission Statement.

  • Documents a comprehensive needs assessment of your local community.

  • States clearly, whom you want to help.

  • Constructs a clear and decisive argument for the need of your services and defines how you will do what you do best.

  • Documents how long you've been in existence.

  • Documents how you will change and impact the identified needs you assessed in your local community.

  • States how your organization will make a difference in the community you serve. (How will you change lives?)

  • Includes documentation of the demographics of the population you intend to serve.

  1. Who are they?

  2. Where do they live?

  3. How did they get into their present situation?

  4. What is the segmented of population?

2. What is the purpose of a Case Statement?

A Case Statement is a living document that you must have on file at all times. It is important for your Board of Directors and your Donor Development Department to understand, who you are and what you intend to do to make a difference in your community. A case statement is essential to the future success of the organization in raising major funds. This document is crucial for any other proposals that might be written in the future, such as grants to Foundations or proposals to churches or corporations.

3. How will it help our cause?

Those from whom you request large sums of money will demand to know that your have done your homework. Foundations require this information as well as other government agencies. When you approach a church or a private corporation, they will need to have access to the information contained in a well-documented Case Statement.

4. To whom should I provide a Case Statement?

Give it only to those who request it. This document, when completed, should fill a notebook. It would be expensive to reproduce. Your Board of Directors should have a copy; however your President, CEO and Donor Development Department must also have this document close at hand.

5. What do I do first?

First, make sure that your organization has a comprehensive yet simply stated" Statement of Purpose. This statement needs to clearly define what your organization is all about. It should be short and concise.

6. How often should I rewrite my Case Statement?

At least once a year… or whenever your vision changes or evolves. This document can be filed on your computer so you can make copies as needed. Make sure that your have a copy backed up on a disk somewhere.

COMPILING A COMPREHENSIVE CASE STATEMENT

PART ONE

  1. Maps of the County showing all major Cities you serve.

  2. Demographic data population, and local large companies.
    (Chamber of Commerce)
       A. Wealth ratings within certain demographic areas in your Community.
       B. Housing Costs.

  3. List all County and Government Agencies that currently serve in your Community.
       A. Names of other non-profit organization that serve in your community. Names address and phone numbers.
       B. Define their interaction with your organization.
       C. Insert a list of Churches that serve in the community and describe their function and community involvement.

  4. List of City and County officials "Mayor, City Counsel Members, County supervisor, with name, address, telephone, FAX numbers and e-mail address.

  5. List of United States Congressmen and House of Representatives with name, address, telephone, FAX numbers and e-mail address.

PART TWO

  1. Statement of Purpose

  2. Slogan

  3. Strategic Vision Statement

  4. Mission Statement "Your Objective".

  5. Research and Needs Assessment

  6. Beginning the Proposal

  • Show a clear and concise Vision of your organization

  • Explain the community's need.

  • Mention your organization's strengths.

  • Show what your need in order to fill the need. "Be specific".

Program Outline

  • Details, Details, and more Details - Have a clear detailed plan for meeting the needs of those you serve.

Evaluation

  • Who will evaluate the program?

  • What criteria will be used?

  • During what time frame will the program evaluation take place?

Needs

  • What does the community need?

  • How can your program fill that need?

  • What do you need in order to fill the community's need?

Research

Find a "Funder" with the same or similar vision.

  • Research the funding source.

  • Request Guidelines.

  • Make phone contact if allowed to clarify their current objectives.

Collaboration

Include letters from collaborating organizations stating:

  • What you do for them

  • What they do for you

Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Document Financial Stability

  • IRS 501 ( c ) (3) Determination.

  • Tax returns filed.

  • Audited if budget is over $350,000.

  • Verified by two officers if budget is over $350,000.

  • Copy of your current yearly projected budget.

  • List of funds received/requested from other sources.

Show Community Support

Letters of endorsement:

  • Letters from other non-profit agencies.

  • Letters from community leaders.

  • Politicians

  • Local business people.

  • Local Churches.

PART THREE

Draw a Conclusion

Make a one page summary that tells:

  • Who you are.

  • What you want the donor to do.

  • Where will you locate your project.

  • When will the project be completed.

  • How much do you want the donor to give you.

  • Why your project is needed in the community.

  • Who will evaluate the project once completed.