Building a Case for World Affairs Councils Why

Building a Case for World Affairs Councils

Why Support World Affairs Councils?

What’s Your Message? • Are your board and staff prepared to effectively message for the organization? • Who are you speaking to? • Can you demonstrate need? • Who are you “competing” against?

Why Develop Your Message? • Provides an argument for funding • Empowers and clarifies your board, staff and supporters with their messaging • Sets the basis for developing marketing collateral

Building Your Case A good case should respond to five fundamental questions: Bernard Ross and Clare Segal, "The Influential Fundraiser"

5 Fundamental Questions What is the need? • • • Precise and specific What is it, and who exactly will benefit by meeting that need. Make the need manageable, so supporters feel that they can make a difference.

5 Fundamental Questions Why is this a pressing need? • • • What will happen if you don’t succeed? Include surveys, expert opinions, or statements from the people who need help Statistics, statistics.

5 Fundamental Questions Why is your organization uniquely qualified to tackle this need? • • • What is unique about you? Is it your track record, the innovative nature of your approach? Are there similar organizations?

5 Fundamental Questions What will be the benefits of your action? • • What will be the positive consequences, both major and minor? Be realistic. What can be guaranteed, and what is possible?

5 Fundamental Questions What are the consequences if you fail? • Sometimes this is the most potent motivator for donors, so lay out the major and minor adverse effects if you do not act.

5 Fundamental Questions Recap: 1. What is the need? 2. Why is this a pressing need? 3. Why is your organization uniquely qualified to tackle this need? 4. What will be the benefits of your action? 5. What are the consequences if you fail?

Thank You!