It Always Comes Back to the Case

There are so many ways that you can ask a donor to make a major gift. But no matter what vehicle and method you choose, you always need one thing in place first:

Your case for support.

The case lays the foundation for all giving to an important priority. It introduces the need, lifts up proof points, outlines opportunities, and illustrates the profound impact that giving can make. It is the starting point for successful major gift work and everything else falls into place once you have it.

You may be thinking, “Oh, I know that the case is important, but I have an urgent need, and I just need to get something out the door to this donor.” But your case is critical because it’s more than words on paper, it’s a process.

When you write a case you answer key questions about the opportunity, build internal consensus, frame your answers persuasively, and move forward as a united team with a clear understanding of the initiative.

With the case in hand, your team can develop a custom proposal from it, make it more concise to present as a one-sheet, build a dynamic deck, create talking points for a high-stakes meeting, or refer to it as you draft language for specific priorities.

Without the case, it is MUCH harder to produce compelling major gift materials in any shape or form.

Please make the effort and develop your case up front—it’ll save you from headaches, frustration, and delays every time you make an important ask.