A well-written Case for Support can open doors to major donors, grantmakers, corporate partners, and community champions. It’s the foundation of your fundraising strategy—a powerful tool that explains who you are, what you do, why it matters, and how others can help. But here’s the truth:
Even the most passionate nonprofits make avoidable mistakes that weaken their Case for Support.
Whether your Case is falling flat, going unread, or missing the mark with funders, this blog will help you diagnose and fix the most common pitfalls. We’ll walk through real-world examples and give you practical, grant-ready tips to strengthen your message and sharpen your impact.
Mistake #1: Being Too Vague
The Problem:
“We help people.”
“We make a difference.”
“We’re changing lives.”
These statements might sound good—but they’re too general. Vague language leaves donors wondering who you help, how you do it, and why it matters.
How to Fix It:
Be specific, focused, and concrete in your language.
✅ Instead of: “We support underserved communities.”
🟢 Try: “We provide weekly grocery deliveries and case management to 125 low-income families in Tulsa’s Eastside neighborhood.”
✅ Instead of: “We empower youth.”
🟢 Try: “Our afterschool program helps 6th–8th graders improve reading scores by 20% within one semester through personalized tutoring and mentorship.”
Mistake #2: Leading with What You Do Instead of Why You Do It
The Problem:
Too many nonprofits start their Case for Support by listing programs or services. But donors give to purpose—not programs.
If you start with what you do before making a case for why it matters, you lose the opportunity to connect emotionally.
How to Fix It:
Start with why. Begin with the problem you’re solving, and the vision of what’s possible when it’s addressed.
✅ Instead of jumping into program descriptions:
🟢 Start with: “In our city, 1 in 3 seniors lives alone without access to transportation, healthcare, or fresh food. We believe no one should age in isolation or fear.”
Then introduce your programs as the solution to that problem.
Mistake #3: Too Much Jargon or Technical Language
The Problem:
Every sector has its own lingo. But when your Case is packed with acronyms, academic terms, or government program names, your audience may feel alienated—or confused.
How to Fix It:
Write like you’re talking to a smart, caring person who doesn’t know your field.
✅ Replace acronyms with full names on first mention.
✅ Break down complex ideas into plain language.
✅ Have a board member or volunteer outside your program team review the draft—if they don’t understand it, rewrite it.
🟢 Instead of: “Our LISC-partnered asset-based community development framework centers client self-determination via trauma-informed lenses…”
Try: “We help residents take the lead in rebuilding their neighborhoods, offering support services grounded in respect, healing, and dignity.”
Mistake #4: Drowning in Data Without Telling a Story
The Problem:
While data is crucial, numbers alone don’t inspire action. A Case that feels like a spreadsheet may come across as dry, distant, or forgettable.
How to Fix It:
Use a strong human story to bring your impact to life—then support it with data.
✅ Start with a real story: one person, one family, one experience.
✅ Then zoom out to show how many others are helped through your programs.
🟢 Example: “When Maria arrived at our shelter, she had nowhere else to go. Today, she’s working full-time and her son is enrolled in school. Last year, we helped 287 families like Maria’s find safe, stable housing.”
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Make an Ask
The Problem:
You’ve described the problem, shared your solution, and showcased your impact—but you forgot to clearly invite the reader to take action.
Many Cases for Support end with a general “Thank you for considering us,” when what’s needed is a strong call to action.
How to Fix It:
Be clear, confident, and specific in your ask.
✅ Tell the reader what you want them to do.
✅ Break down what their gift will accomplish.
✅ Tie the ask back to the story or problem.
🟢 Example: “Your gift of $1,000 provides a month of counseling for survivors of domestic violence. Help us support 100 more women this year—because healing starts with safety.”
Mistake #6: Making the Donor Feel Like an Outsider
The Problem:
When your Case is all about your organization—your programs, your team, your success—you risk sidelining the person who’s reading it.
Fundraising isn’t about your nonprofit’s greatness. It’s about what the donor can do by partnering with you.
How to Fix It:
Use donor-centered language throughout your Case for Support.
✅ Replace “We do this…” with “With your help, we…”
✅ Highlight the donor’s role in creating change.
✅ Acknowledge that the work is a collaboration.
🟢 Example: “Because of donors like you, we were able to expand our food pantry and provide 10,000 meals this winter.”
Mistake #7: Lacking Visual Appeal
The Problem:
Your Case may have great content—but if it’s visually dense, hard to scan, or overly text-heavy, people won’t read it.
How to Fix It:
Make your Case easy to navigate, skim, and remember.
✅ Use headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs.
✅ Include photos, pull quotes, and infographics.
✅ Use white space to improve readability.
✅ Highlight key stats or outcomes in bold or call-out boxes.
Remember: donors don’t read word-for-word—they scan for meaning.
Mistake #8: Letting It Sit on a Shelf
The Problem:
Too often, organizations create a Case for Support and never revisit it. As programs evolve and data changes, your Case becomes outdated and irrelevant.
How to Fix It:
Treat your Case as a living document.
✅ Review and update it annually.
✅ Keep key data points current.
✅ Refresh stories to keep it engaging.
✅ Use it as a base for grant proposals, donor meetings, annual appeals, and website content.
Mistake #9: Making It Too Long (or Too Short)
The Problem:
Too short, and you miss critical details. Too long, and you lose the reader. Striking the right balance is key.
How to Fix It:
✅ Aim for 1,200–1,500 words, or 3–5 pages.
✅ Create both a long-form version and a one-pager or summary sheet for different audiences.
✅ Include a table of contents or clear section headers.
Wrap-Up: Write With Purpose and Clarity
A Case for Support isn’t just a fundraising tool—it’s a reflection of your organization’s clarity, professionalism, and passion. Avoiding these common mistakes can transform your Case from a dry document into a powerful catalyst for giving.
Remember:
- Speak clearly.
- Show impact.
- Invite others into your mission.
- Keep it alive.
When your Case speaks to both the heart and the head, you don’t just inform donors—you inspire them.
Would you like a Case for Support editing checklist or a customizable template to share with your nonprofit clients? I’d be happy to create one!