NJ Environmental Fundraisers Gathering June 23, 2025 Kevin Wallace Melissa Sais CampaignCounsel.org

NJ Environmental Fundraisers Gathering – June 23, 2025
Session Title: Crafting a Donor-Approved Case for Support
Presenter: Kevin Wallace, President & Partner and Melissa Sais Vice President at CampaignCounsel.org

In this engaging and informative session, Kevin Wallace and Melissa Sais walks through how to build a compelling, donor-centered case for support that drives fundraising success. Designed with environmental nonprofits in mind, the presentation outlines how to turn organizational needs into powerful narratives and make a persuasive case for donor investment.

Key takeaways from the session include:

What a case for support is and how it serves as the foundation for all communications and appeals.

How to structure the case to resonate with donors: balancing emotional appeal and clear, factual content.

A step-by-step framework for building your case, including assembling an input group, conducting interviews, gathering organizational data, and revising collaboratively.

Core case elements: from mission and community impact to needs, solutions, budget, and timeline.

How to repurpose the case across communications materials—appeals, websites, newsletters, grants, and more.

Kevin emphasized the importance of thinking like an investor—demonstrating ROI for donors, quantifying outcomes, and constantly updating the case as your organization evolves. He also shared free sample cases and tools at www.campaigncounsel.org/free-resources.

This session was hosted by the NJ Environmental Fundraisers Gathering as part of its ongoing professional development series for development professionals across the state.