Case Statement Workshop

Case Statement – What is it?

• The stated rationale for the existence of an institution as well as for its growth and strengthening

We’ll Explore

• More about what it is..• Definitions included in• Uses of• Elements of• Information Selection• Question’s for the writer• Document itself• Outline for prep• Now what?

A Case Statement Also…

• Shows the organization’s productivity and benefit to society

• Shows how the organization wants to improve its services

• Serves as the basis for all other communications materials– Brochures– Annual Reports– General Publicity– Media Outreach

A Case Statement Will

• Speak to the organization’s programs and objectives moving forward

• Speak to its goals for future programs– What will funds be used for?– How will funds improve the lives of your clients

• Speak to the efforts of the organization to be sustainable, viable and productive well into the future

Definitions

• Mission Statement– Defines the central purpose of the organization

• Goals– Major areas of concentration and priorities used to accomplish

mission

• Objectives– Specific activities accomplished within a time frame to

accomplish goals

These are important basics that must be developed first.

Uses of the Case Statement

• An internal and external document with 5 primary uses:

1. Early Stage of Prep– To Obtain Consensus

• Helps to focus on priorities• Helps to set direction• Helps to define goals

2. Discussion Document for Staff

Uses of the Case Statement

3. Recruitment Tool for New Board Members

• CS should answer questions prospective board members may have

4. Obtaining Major Gifts• CS can often be used as a proposal with a

targeted cover letter• CS is an excellent “Leave Behind” for major

donors

Uses of the Case Statement

5. Resource for Producing Other Documents

• Marketing Materials• Media Tools• Proposals• Reports• Letters

This Document is the Quintessential Boilerplate

Elements of the Case Statement

1. Mission Statement – Who are you?

2. Goals and Objectives – What we do want to accomplish?

3. Programs and Services – What do you do?

4. New Directions – What would you like to do?

5. Governance – Who is on your board?

6. Staff

7. Location

8. Finances

Information Selection

• Historical – Why you?• Geographical – Why here?• People Served – Why them?• Financial – How much does this cost?• Management and Staff Bios• Stories – Anecdotal evidence of the need/success –

Powerful

Revise and update as needed – One Editor!

Questions for the Writer

1. Why should someone give to us?

2. Why should corporations give to us?

3. Why should foundations give to us?

4. Why should the government give to us?

5. What does the local community expect from us?

6. How will we recognize our donors?

7. How will we publicize our activities and accomplishments?

8. Have I told the whole story?

Suggestions for the Writer

1. Be direct, brief and thorough

2. Write only what is supportable and defensible

3. Stress the org’s commitment to the community and the future

4. Write for the donor’s point of view

5. Emphasize organizational strengths

6. Be positive and optimistic

7. Be rational and emotional

8. No Passive Language– “We will….” – “We would like to maybe be able to…”

Elements of the Case Statement

1. Mission Statement – Who are you?

2. Goals and Objectives – What we do want to accomplish?

3. Programs and Services – What do you do?

4. New Directions – What would you like to do?

5. Governance – Who is on your board?

6. Staff

7. Location

8. Finances

The Document

• 8 to 10 pages – Longer CS will need an executive summary

• Produce in such a way that it can be easily updated• Use photos• Cover should reflect your brand• Not too many typefaces• Visual impact should reflect your organization• Produce in small batches or one offs

Now What?

• The writer is done. The design is planned.• Before you proceed

– Is the ED satisfied?– Is the Staff satisfied?– Is the Board satisfied?

• This is a living document that will be (hopefully) used by everyone involved with your organization. It tells your unique story. It allows all of you to tell it in the same way.

• It is the go to source of information about….