Case study: A case for support for the National Spitfire Project
IFCo has been working with the National Spitfire Project to deliver a capital appeal to secure the funding for a new national monument and public engagement programme dedicated to the Spitfire. The Monument is a dramatic work of public art in its own right and its striking visual imagery has provided a powerful foundation for the creative inspiration behind the case for support.
The cause
The Spitfire is an enduring symbol of innovation, engineering excellence, hope and courage. The National Spitfire Project is the drive behind creating a world-class monument in Southampton, the birthplace of the Spitfire. The Monument will be the tallest stainless-steel sculpture in the world and will commemorate all of those involved in the Spitfire story, celebrate engineering excellence and inspire future generations.
The case for support
As the appeal has matured and the prospect base has developed and diversified so has our approach to the case for support. Our first case was more simplistic and was built on the emotional and historical power of the Spitfire as a symbol of courage, innovation and national endeavour.
As our prospect base grew and significant interest developed from UK corporates in the aerospace and defence industry we focussed more on tangible returns: brand association with an enduring and universally respected icon; visibility at one of the UK's busiest visitor destinations and alignment with STEM and heritage agendas. Interestingly, what worked in 2023 does not work now – our case for support is shorter and speaks to a time-pressed audience that wants to assess the project quickly. We also have better renders and the case for support is far more visually impactful. As support has grown, we have been able to include powerful third-party endorsements and names of supporters which helps with the snowball effect – demonstrating that serious corporates have already committed de-risks the decision for the next prospect.
As for the future, I am sure that cases will increasingly be drafted and refined with AI assistance — but the organisations that stand out will be those that use AI to sharpen the narrative rather than replace it. A case that reads as if it has been written by Claude will fail the credibility test with sophisticated donors.
Get in touch
If you would like our help in shaping your organisation's case for support, get in touch today: https://www.groupifco.com/#contact-us