Case for support guidance for churches

01 May 2023

Regardless of which funder or donor you approach, you will need to have a clear and compelling case for support. This will act as a foundation for all your fundraising and is key to achieving successful applications.

Why a case for support is so important

Your grant application will need to be persuasive and show how this financial support will make a difference, to help give your application the best chance of success.

It is important to create a narrative about your church and its work that inspires potential donors. This should also provide detailed information about the specific projects that need funding.

Your case for support will form the backbone of your approaches to all major donors, funding bodies, and the local community, so it is well worth investing time and resources to get it right. It should draw on the voices of key people in your church and be a live document that is regularly updated.

Developing your case for support: the basics

As a simple guide, you can position your case for support around three basic questions:

What is the need?
What is the solution?
What will the outcome be?

These questions can be used to create a quick and punchy fundraising message on your donation forms, newsletters, fundraising posters, crowdfunding pages. They will also provide the background when you write your detailed case for support.

The Institute of Fundraising has developed a five-minute film that outlines a successful case for support. Remember that your case for support should include why funders should support your church, who benefits from your work and what difference a donation or grant would make.

List of grant funders for churches

A collated list of the top funders that support churches and are currently offering grants.

Church Fundraising during the cost-of-living crisis

Fundraising during a cost-of-living crisis can feel rather daunting: with pressure from higher levels of inflation, rising energy costs and rapidly increasing mortgage rates.

Top tips for fundraising by churches

Key steps and suggestions for you and your church to take for successful fundraising.

Checklist for grant applications

After researching possible funders and grants for your church, use this checklist to identify some key points to consider before making an application.