A case for support is a document that explains why a donor should give to your organisation, group or project.
It should include the most compelling and crucial information about your project for the specific donor you are presenting it to. It should be a powerful appeal, which demonstrates why the project is important and what difference the donor’s support will have.
Whilst your initial case for support is likely to be a document, you can then turn it into a proposal, a presentation or another communication with a donor.
Your case for support might focus on a specific project (such as a project to increase participation in a particular community) or it may focus on your group overall as an unrestricted funds ask.
It all depends on what you need the funding for. Whatever the case for support is for, it should always focus on the what, who, why, how, and how much questions that a donor needs to understand before they decide to donate.
Why should we develop a case for support?
A compelling case for support for a project will increase your chances of securing support from a donor. Time spent creating a case for support saves time and resource in the longer term as it decreases the need to start an application or proposal from scratch every time. It also ensures a consistent approach to how you present your project, your work and your group.