I need one volunteer for a two week project to help craft a very through and compelling case for support to help achieve fundraising goals. Our current case for support thoroughly explains our mission but requires updating. We need a succinct and emotional case that will reap financial support from foundations, corporations, and major donors. Our current case for support provides the basic information: history, mission, programs, and how our programs support our mission but I it's missing the why now. We need a case that tells what we do, why its critical at this time, and is emotionally compelling.

As we close FY24 Northwestern Settlement has big goals ahead for FY25. In order to be successful in achieving those goals, we need a strong case for support. Having a solid case will provide funders with context and help tell the story of why we need the support we're requesting to carry out the mission of the organization. Our current goal for this FY is $2.8M. We have several grants pending however we are 70% away from achieving the goal. Going into FY25 with a goal of $3.1M, 10% higher than than this current year's goal, we will need to re-frame how we tell our story in order to be successful in 2025.

Our story is unique. We are the last remaining settlement houses in the city of Chicago. We have been a pillar in the community of West Town for over 130 years. We originally began as a place for newcomers to Chicago to receive basic services and has since evolved to an organization focused on disrupting poverty by providing wrap-around services for young people at distinct stages of their lives to break down barriers on their path to success in adulthood. We do this through 7 different programs. Our dilemma is that 5 out of 7 of those programs operate in a deficit. This makes it difficult to expand our current service delivery model and stalls our impact.

We have begun re-framing our story by revising our letters of intent for each of the 7 programs that we operate. Once we have a new case for support, we will utilize it in the upcoming funding year to apply for grants, corporate support, and major donor support.