Elementum

Need-Approach-Impact-Ask Frame.

Assemble the spine of your case for support: the unbroken line from the need in the world, to what you do about it, to the difference it makes, to what you are asking someone to do.

First in Build Your Case for Support. Fill each link. The power of a case is that the links connect without a gap.

The need

The need in the world your work addresses, stated specifically and truthfully. Resist inflating it: a real need honestly stated is more convincing than an exaggerated one

The approach

What you actually do about that need

Why your approach works, in plain terms

The impact

The real, demonstrable difference your work makes

The evidence you can point to. If you can only assert it, not show it, flag it here

The impact gate

Can you actually demonstrate this impact, or only claim it? Demonstrable / Only asserted

If you can only assert your impact, not show it

Stop and build the evidence first. A case resting on unproven impact will not hold when a serious funder tests it. Route to impact measurement and evaluation.

The ask

What, specifically, are you asking someone to do?

What will their support make possible?

Read the four links in a row. If the line from need to approach to impact to ask flows without a gap or a leap, you have a spine. If it jumps, that gap is where your case loses people. Feeds the Case-for-Support Builder.

Your answers stay in your browser on this page and are never sent anywhere. Use Save or print to keep your copy.

Back to Build Your Case for Support, or start over from the welcome page.