Building a case for support.

This video will tell you what to consider when building a compelling case for support

and ow to structure an effective case for support.

A case for support is a document which explains clearly and concisely,

why you need funding and what you plan to do with it.

Fundraising is about change.

The best fundraising is about change.

Is it any surprise that Obama’s presidential campaign

was the most successful grassroots fundraising campaign of modern times?

But what is the Obama lesson for us working in the archive sector?

We need to think about: How does your archive change lives?

How are people affected by using their archive?

How can a funder be part of that change?

In the end, isn’t an archive as much about people as objects?

I was recently visiting an archive and the archivist told me one of their recent visitors said:

"I came with a list of people and I'm leaving with their personalities."

That essence is what we need to be able to communicate in a compelling case for support.

So that potential funders understand the difference

information within our archive can make to people in their everyday lives.

Take a look at the Black Cultural Archives' support page.

They say they “have thrived, thanks to the support of organisations and people like you.”

They say “We need financial donations;

this will help us grow our collections and reach out to people young and old.”

Does this give you a feel of how you can help,

and the change they are looking to affect?

The tone and language of your case for support

needs to be relevant and appropriate for your audience.

Take a look at both of these examples.

Neither is right or wrong, but both would appeal to very difference audiences.

One is fairly formal and factual, the other less so,

but perhaps more inviting and inclusive in its tone?

Which do you find most engaging and why?

Remember when writing your case for support, you are one person writing for another;

if your style is too formal, although the content may be incredibly informative,

it may be too ‘dry’ to make an impact on the reader.

Adjust the message to suit your audience.

You will require more than one case for support; each audience will need a tailored case for support.

You should not submit a case for support

without having endeavoured to find out what the objectives of your reader will be.

And, always check: have you written in the present tense?

Little hint, the answer should be yes