What is a Case?
In InterVarsity we use the word case at least four different (but related) ways:
1. A Case is a clear plan for how you are going to address a real, felt problem in our world. It includes a picture of a positive outcome, analysis of the problem, a description of the unique potential you have for creating change, and your “business” plan. Without a good plan, there is no credible case.
2. A Case is a person-to-person presentation of a plan to create a positive change. All good interpersonal communication involves both listening and talking. Experienced fundraisers listen and know how to hear the passions of another person. They then can positiontheir own plan to intersect with those passions.
3. A Case is a presentation prop. It is a tool that keeps you focused and on-track as you present your plan. As a prop, this form of the case must be focused and flexible. Clean, simple, emotionally powerful, and not distracting. Since people like to read words put in front of them, to many words on your prop with distract from your case. The prop is a framework with a background from which you can talk.
4, A Case is a paper brochure or packet of information you can leave with a potential donor. The paper, or brochure, you leave behind should function at two levels. It needs to remind people of the big ideas in your plan at a glance. Secondly, it should give a narrative version of ideas that have led you to your plan. The paper you leave behind is a kind of promise to a potential donor of what you, by God’s grace, plan to accomplish. It must include the “how” of your plan. And it should function like an investment prospectus that articulates the potential return on investment. It is not a substitute for your passion.
EVERY CASE NEEDS TO BE Two Cases in One
Giving is an emotional decision. We are created with both heart and mind and they are supposed to work together in directing the hand. That is why every case needs to be two cases - one for the heart and one for the mind. Cases need both a moving story and realistic plan grounded in facts.
A CASE IS A Short Strait Line
Good cases connect a gift with the desired outcome. In InterVarsity we are often narcissistic and connect the gift with our own activity. In the past, that often worked; donorslooked at the missionary more than the mission. But today’s donor/investors are more often interested in actual results. Astrongcase draws a short, straight line with very few intermediate points between the gift and the final outcome.
GIFT WITNESSINGCOMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY LIFETIME OF SERVICE
What is a Case? Version-SLW.12/10/2018 1