4.7: Building the Case for Investment

Finding the right funding opportunity is only part of the process. Your organization also needs to clearly communicate why Powerhouse® is needed, what it will achieve, and why it aligns with what the funder is trying to accomplish. A strong case for investment connects the broader evidence about young caregivers with what is happening in your own community.

Build Your Case Around Four Questions

1. What is the need?
Describe why young caregivers need support and what you know about the need in your community. This might include referral trends, community conversations, waitlists, partner feedback, local data, or broader research on young caregivers.

2. Why Powerhouse®?
Explain how the program responds to that need. Depending on your program model, this may include identifying and supporting young caregivers earlier, strengthening wellbeing and connection, and helping prevent challenges from becoming more significant over time.

3. What difference will it make?
Be clear about the outcomes you expect and how you will know whether the program is making a difference.

Your Powerhouse® delivery can help you build local evidence such as:

• Young caregivers reached and participating.
• Attendance and retention.
• Participant experiences and feedback.
• Changes in areas such as confidence, coping, or social connection.
• Feedback from families and community partners.
• Emerging needs or gaps in your community.

Think beyond how many people participate. Consider what changes because young caregivers have access to support.

4. How does this connect to the funder’s priorities?

Show how Powerhouse® contributes to outcomes the funder is already trying to advance, such as youth wellbeing, prevention, social connection, family support, or community-based care. Before preparing a request, review the funder’s current priorities, desired outcomes, eligibility criteria, and evaluation expectations. Priorities can change, so check them each time rather than assuming a previous fit still applies. Use language that clearly connects Powerhouse® to the outcomes the funder wants to achieve, without changing the purpose of the program simply to fit a funding opportunity.

For example: