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Olean Food Pantry million dollar fundraising campaign

Grand River Agency Builds $1 Million Fundraising Campaign for Nonprofit Client

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Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic maneuvers powering a $1 Million Fundraising Campaign for one of Grand River Agency’s nonprofit fundraising clients. 

Raising large sums of money for great missions of charity is one of our hallmark services. But, contrary to popular practice in the charity industry, we’re not spending all day churning out grant proposals and praying they stick. To be sure, grant writing is part of the strategy, but we prefer a well-rounded approach that diversifies funding sources and leverages multiple channels for BIG and small wins.

Here’s how we’re doing it. 

Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign Managed By Grand River Agency

The Olean Food Pantry’s groundbreaking $1 million fundraising campaign, masterminded by Grand River Agency, actually began MONTHS before the formal announcement. In my initial consultation with their Board of Directors, my first question was this: “What do you think of your organization’s digital presence?” 

Their answer? Crickets. 

Obviously, that was the place to start. Nonprofit storytelling these days takes place almost entirely in the digital realm, so why not supercharge the mechanisms for those communications? Activities included:

  • Building a new website
  • Creating new & optimizing current social media accounts
  • Writing blogs for SEO
  • Designing graphics & short-form videos for cross-channel promotion

The next question during that initial discussion was, “Who’s your nonprofit’s target audience?” Naturally, one Board member answered, “The people we serve.” To which I responded, “Absolutely not.”

And here’s why.

The Importance of a Donor-Centric Nonprofit Communications Strategy

The people your charity serves DON’T have money. Donors, funders, grantors and philanthropists are every nonprofit’s target audience.  

That’s not to say your communications strategies mustn’t address and help the people and causes you serve. They absolutely do! Consider it this way: your communications must appeal to donors and funders BY showcasing the superheroic capacity to influence people, whether it’s your nonprofit’s website, social media presence or media relations. 

With the proper mechanisms in place, you can then focus on communicating directly with the people and organizations with the financial power to bankroll your nonprofit mission.  

Writing & Designing a Strong Nonprofit Case for Support

Also known as a case statement, the nonprofit case for support is a comprehensive document that details the who, what, when, where, why and how of your charity’s mission. It’s basically a blanket proposal.

Expertly written and designed, it can be sent in its entirety to BIG MONEY funders or used to copy-and-paste (or at least inform) all future grant proposals, marketing materials and media outreach. Why reinvent the wheel each time you craft new communications?

For the Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign, we developed and designed a case for support in e-book/magazine format. It clearly and compellingly expresses:

  • Organizational history
  • Mission & vision
  • Community need
  • Current programs & demonstrated impact
  • Future vision
  • Financial realities
  • Justification & plans for funding
  • Decision-makers, staff & volunteers

Just as importantly, it details a well-rounded fundraising strategy noting exactly what’s expected of supporters, grant funders and big money donors to make it work.

Diversifying Revenue Sources in a Strong Nonprofit Fundraising Campaign

So many nonprofits launch fundraising strategies emphasizing just one main activity – whether it be grant writing (often before they’ve built the capacity to contend for competitive grants) or some annual fundraising gala (which often costs more to host than it brings in).

What’s the best way to eat a whale? One bite at a time! So for the OFP $1 Million Fundraising Campaign, Grand River Agency broke down fundraising tactics into four easy revenue streams. 

Grant Writing: Securing $450,000 in Funding

Don’t get us wrong. Grant writing is great – as PART of a well-rounded fundraising campaign. (And that’s only if your organization is grant-ready.) Olean Food Pantry is grant-ready, having already demonstrated success in securing local and regional grants through the years. We’re now aiming to secure a whopping $450,000 in grant funding by researching applicable funding opportunities on a national scale and submitting a volume of proposals to various foundations, charitable trusts and government resources.

Major Gift Donor Cultivation: Unlocking $450,000 in Major Gifts

The next big chunk of the pie requires cultivating major gift donors. Through personalized outreach, relationship-building and targeted stewardship of a list of prospective millionaire donors, we will secure $450,000 in major gifts from philanthropists, community leaders and other high-net-worth individuals with specific interest in the War on Hunger. 

Corporate Giving: Mobilizing $50,000 from Business Leaders

Corporate giving is yet another fundraising avenue we’re mobilizing for Olean Food Pantry. By engaging local businesses and corporations, we’re eyeing a smaller sum of $50,000 in donations. We recognize the area’s business climate makes money tight – and such businesses are already doing their part to combat food insecurity via employment.

By asking businesses for a smaller total contribution, we’re forging strategic partnerships that make a buzz and raise community awareness.   

Individual Donors: Rallying Community Support

Last, but certainly not least, individual donors are playing a crucial role in raising the final $50,000 to support the Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign. By improving the organization’s digital presence (mentioned earlier), we can now engage the community in ways never before possible.

In general, community members may have comparatively limited means. But compelling smaller contributions – a few dollars here and there add up quickly – empowers individuals to help their family, friends and neighbors.

A Holistic Approach to Fundraising Guides OFP’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign

The Olean Food Pantry’s $1 million fundraising campaign is a testament to the power of strategic communications – a range of tactics building upon each other to create a POWERHOUSE nonprofit fundraising strategy. But before we could even think about the fundraising aspect, we had to shore up and create numerous avenues for communications. 

Grand River Agency will achieve this ambitious fundraising goal and make a tangible difference for a nonprofit client in the Olean community.

Join Us in Making a Difference in YOUR Community

Ready to harness the power of strategic communications and fundraising to drive meaningful change in your community? We’re here to help your organization unlock your fundraising potential and make a lasting impact.

nonprofit superhero case for support

Nonprofit Case for Support: Fulfilling Your Grand Design

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Nonprofit superheroes, it’s not enough to write a fantastic nonprofit case for support. It could be the most well-written, thoroughly researched case statement ever, and it could still go completely overlooked – unless a prospective donor or grant funder for some reason prefers text only. Here’s where graphic design plays a key role in your nonprofit storytelling strategy.

We first addressed the importance of this comprehensive document, which should be the linchpin of all nonprofit fundraising and communications efforts. Then, we discussed the critical elements of a case for support and how to write one. 

Today, we discuss how great design can, well, fulfill your nonprofit’s grand design. Hold onto your capes, heroes of charity! We’re diving into design elements and strategies that will make your narrative soar higher than a superhero in flight. Because, let’s be honest, who would take a superhero seriously if their costume was in shambles?

The Art of Design: A Nonprofit Case for Support with Great Graphic Appeal

It’s not just about looking good. Of course, that’s a part of it. But a well-designed case statement helps to present and frame your nonprofit mission, individuals served, systematic challenges and financial realities to be easily understood. Great design offers true perspective on the issues. 

The Visual Symphony of Design

Your case for support is not just a document. It’s a canvas awaiting the touch of an expert artist – your designer. It’s about professionalism, clarity and engagement. A visually striking design elevates your narrative, capturing attention and instilling confidence in your organization’s competence. 

Don’t have a graphic design expert on standby? Fear not! Platforms like Canva and others can turn even novices into design virtuosos. (Grand River Agency also offers design services that surpass all commercial platforms.)

The Professional Handshake

Your case for support’s aesthetics matter. They convey organizational credibility for a great first impression. Would you show up to a job interview in your grass-cutting jeans or still sweaty from the gym? No! Because even though you’re not being considered for your looks, looking professional shows that you’re committed to being professional.

The graphic appeal of this document is a firm, confident visual handshake and a declaration of your organization’s commitment to excellence. The design sets the tone for a serious consideration of your cause and call to action.

Aim for clarity in layout. Don’t jump around. Even the smartest reviewers will get lost – or even aggravated. State your case in clear, cohesive order that’s easy to understand. Ensure your content is organized logically, guiding the reader seamlessly through your narrative.

Use fonts that reflect your brand’s personality, opting for styles that are both readable and align with your organization’s image (more on that later). Strike a balance between text, graphic elements and white space to avoid overwhelming the reader and nurture visual harmony.

Use Graphics to Emphasize Key Points

Graphics are your superhero sidekick, standing at the ready to hammer home key points. Punch! They break up the monotony of walls of text and guide your readers through the narrative. Think of them as visual exclamation points! 

A well-placed graphic can sometimes illustrate a point more effectively than a paragraph. Of course, you still need to indicate key points within your written narrative. There’s something authoritative about pulling a statement or statistic from a paragraph for EMPHASIS. For instance:

  • 95% Job Placement Rate
  • ZERO Overdose Deaths
  • 67% Reduction in Violent Crime
  • “Our family now has access to nutritious food.” – John Q. Client, Food Pantry Visitor

Can you see how emphasizing those outside the main text would command attention? This is the essence of visual storytelling.

Graphs: Making Sense of Complexity

Numbers can be complex, but a thoughtful graph can be a beacon of clarity. Sure, there are some proposal reviewers who can make sense of complicated statistics in paragraph form. But for most, numbers often require clarification and perspective. 

For instance, a 54% increase in your nonprofit’s social media followers means little without providing comparison. Reviewers will likely ask, “A 54% increase over what?” So here’s a chance to include a nice line graph that shows the upward trend in your following over prior numbers.

Bar graphs, pie charts, scatterplots, histograms — they all simplify intricate figures and offer clear insights into your organization’s achievements and goals. Don’t let vital stats get lost in the sea of text. Bring them to life with graphs!

Photos & Illustrations: The Soul of Your Story

Photos and illustrations are powerful. They transcend words, providing a tangible glimpse into the impact of your initiatives. A powerful image can evoke emotions that words alone might struggle to convey. Show, don’t just tell. 

The story of your nonprofit superhero’s work requires a visual medium to emphasize emotion and the soul of your mission. Why? Because there’s emotion tied to impact. There’s emotion tied to people struggling. There’s emotion tied to lives being helped and improved. For the reader, there’s emotion tied to actually seeing your mission in motion.

As the old adage goes, “A picture’s worth a thousand words.”  

Craft a Consistent Visual Identity: Your Brand in a Nutshell

Harmony is key. A consistent visual identity, from fonts to colors, reinforces a polished and professional appearance. While expert graphic design in crafting a nonprofit case for support is all about aesthetic appeal, it’s also about building brand recognition. 

Your brand’s colors and fonts are its voice without needing to say anything. Any self-respecting superhero always has a super cool costume – with awesome designs, colors and logos that foreshadow the skills they bring to their population in distress: stealth, strength, speed, psychic ability, etc. While, admittedly, superhero fashion is created for entertainment, the psychology behind them holds true. (You’d immediately recognize the Superman “S”, the Batman logo or the Spidey Suit anywhere!)

Let the same be true for your nonprofit superhero brand. Let visual identity sing cohesively from your case statement to your email marketing to your public relations.

Does Your Nonprofit Superhero Have a Great Costume? Design Your Nonprofit Case for Support to be Ready for Action!

So, nonprofit superheroes, it’s time to breathe life into your case for support document with some great graphic design. We can’t overstate the importance of a well-developed case statement. It can be sent in its entirety to big-money donors or used to inform future grant proposals, marketing campaigns and other community engagement.

Weave your narrative into a visual masterpiece. While this process can be quite detailed and overwhelming, doing it right can be a game-changer between struggling and soaring. Let this guide be your superhero sidekick!

If you need help, we’re always here for a chat!

nonprofit superhero case for support

How to Build the Ultimate Nonprofit Case for Support

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We’ve described the importance of a great nonprofit case for support. Now’s the time to build one. This comprehensive document – expertly written and designed – lays the foundation for ALL organizational communications. That includes all future grant writing pursuits, marketing campaigns and donor cultivation.

(Helpful hint: your case statement can even be sent in its entirety to big-money funders and published alongside your digital marketing efforts to rally community support.)

We’ve been using a great metaphor for your nonprofit journey: a superhero out to protect, serve and save the day for people in need. Ideally, the case for support labels your organization as uniquely positioned to solve the community issue at hand and to build a League of Allies to ensure long-term success.

How Does a Strong Case for Support Work?

Picture your nonprofit donning a cape, sharpening your professional message across four vital dimensions:

Gotham’s In Trouble

Every superhero has a nemesis, and so does your nonprofit. The population you serve is under attack. Whether it’s battling hunger or addressing community health issues, identify the villain your organization fights.

Craft a narrative that captures – in words, pictures, graphics and graphs – the essence of this epic challenge and places your charity superhero at the forefront of defending the defenseless.

Plotting Your Villain’s Demise

Your nemesis has a weakness that needs to be exploited. That weakness IS your nonprofit superhero and its capacities. Your case for support must envision a world in which the threat has been eliminated and the population is thriving. 

Through hard work and a little help from superhero sidekicks like donors and volunteers, the enemy WILL be defeated. 

Superpowers & Secret Weapons

Spell out the unique programs and skills your charity brings to a populace in distress. How does your organization swoop in to save the day? 

Detail your prior success stories and ongoing plans of attack. Your programs and community initiatives are secret weapons and superpowers needed to achieve your nonprofit vision. 

Invitation to Join Your Hero League

A case for support is a great, big call to action. Expressed well, it invites others to participate actively in your nonprofit mission: defeating the threatening villain. By positioning your nonprofit as the superhero society deserves, you naturally bring others – hopefully with deep pockets – into the fold as key devoted supporters.    

Outline of Epic Proportions: Laying Out Your Nonprofit Case for Support

Now, let’s embark on your nonprofit’s epic journey with key elements to a stellar case for support. Your case for support is a comprehensive document that spells out all there is to know about your organization, its mission, its people, populations served and funding needs. 

It brings readers alongside your nonprofit hero to see the problem with all its blemishes and how your organization could make a real difference – with a little help from friends. Of course, it’s quite versatile. Use it in its entirety or to inform messaging for grant proposals, public relations and nonprofit marketing and everything in between.  

Introduction

Begin with an emotionally charged anecdote. Or, if possible, use a true story or an archetype to represent individuals or issues commonly seen at your nonprofit. 

However you do it, paint a picture that introduces your nonprofit superhero’s mission. Tug at heartstrings. Set the stage for an inspiring call to action.

Organizational Mission, Vision & History

Explore your organization’s essence, purpose and historical footprint. This is your superhero’s North Star, guiding every endeavor. Showcase the “what,” “how,” and most importantly, the “why” behind your mission.

Fundraising Goal

Clearly state your fundraising goal and articulate the transformative power within each dollar raised. Spell out not just financial figures, but also the impact made possible through every contribution.

Articulate your organization’s current budget and philosophies guiding your spending plan. Reconcile those current realities by expressing HOW MUCH MORE can be done with financial contributions, volunteerism or other forms of support. 

The Societal Issue

Detail the profound challenge your organization tackles. Expand upon your introduction with a compelling story (or stories) that capture(s) the essence of human struggle, societal gaps and inequities. 

Engage prospective donors not as witnesses, but as participants in the epic saga of your heroic impact. Stir emotions and awaken a sense of collective responsibility.

Organizational Track Record

Highlight milestones, triumphs and transformative moments. Showcase your organization’s credibility by demonstrating a proven ability to convert vision into tangible outcomes. Every person and system served has a story and provides proof both quantitatively and qualitatively. 

Current Programs & Mission Alignment

Discuss your ongoing initiatives, illustrating how each program contributes to your organization’s heroic masterpiece of real community change. Showcase the thoughtful alignment of actions with intentions.

Talent & Core Competencies

Introduce the passionate individuals steering the ship, accompanied by external validations like education, credentials and awards. Showcase your organization’s human capital and unique strengths. 

Here’s a great chance, for example, to indicate your nonprofit’s Executive Director has successfully launched numerous capital campaigns (to demonstrate sustainability) or that your program staff are all certified CPR trainers (to demonstrate capacity). 

Looking Forward

Outline overarching goals as a visionary compass guiding stakeholders toward the future. This is a promise of sustained growth, deeper community engagement and heightened effectiveness.

Yes, your case for support expresses current and immediate need, but a forward-looking focus shows your hero has eyes toward community impact for years to come.

Fundraising Playbook

Highlight a well-rounded and diversified approach to fundraising – including grant writing, donor cultivation, corporate philanthropy, events, major gifts and more. Supporters of your nonprofit hero’s journey will almost certainly want to know you’re not “putting all your eggs in one basket” in defeating the societal villain. 

Conclusion

Reaffirm the urgency and significance of your nonprofit’s mission. Express gratitude, showcase progress and issue a clear call to action. This section is a launchpad for community engagement, fostering shared responsibility and collective empowerment.

Achieve Nonprofit Fundraising Excellence with a Great Case for Support 

Ready to transform your nonprofit into a superhero force for good? (Just as importantly, are you ready to raise the money – the lifeblood of all charities – to achieve real and sustainable community impact?) A great case for support is arguably your most important piece of nonprofit storytelling, inviting funders to partner in your success. 

We just laid out the key steps to putting one together. Now it’s on you, dear nonprofit hero, to put one together. Of course, if you need help, we’re always here to guide the process with a knowing and caring hand! Grand River Agency has a dedicated team of professional communicators with combined decades of nonprofit experience. 

Craft the ultimate case for support with Grand River Agency and let your heroic journey take flight!