profits that are looking to affect positive change but require significant funds to do

so?

>>Louise: We have approached fundraising from the perspective that we really need investment

in what we do to have the greatest outcomes on the mission. What I mean by that is that

we really do see our fundraising work as, of course, integral to what we are able to

deliver. By even thinking of our funders as investors we are really looking them as people

on our team investing their resources to make what we do happen. I think that is helpful

in some ways even though it is a simple idea because if you end up believing that fundraising

work is directly tied to what you are delivering in the classroom you can feel more passionate

about doing it than you would if you were just trying to get money doing what you believe

in. That framework is really helpful. Certainly, for me, as someone at the organization who

does a lot of fundraising, it helps keep me really motivated to do that fundraising, because

the minute I connect the fact that someone giving $233 is going to fund a whole kid getting

our entire health curriculum, it is a lot easier for me to make that ask and to be more

persistent about getting it. That would be one piece of advice is to build that framework

in a way that keeps you connected to what you are doing. The other thing is to think

big because I think if you go for what you want to achieve and ask for the funding you

need to do it then you will be a lot more likely to achieve it than see it as a really

tough road that you likely will not get to the end of. I was telling you the example

of Los Angeles for us. It is a great example. We said it is the toughest economy in decades.

There are a lot of non profits that have been forced to close down programs because of the

lack of funding. We are constantly taking an eye to everything we do and making sure

we have every backup plan in the books to make sure we can support our programs. Last

spring we felt that while we do that and prepare for every possible scenario to keep our programs

running strong let`s not close the door on an opportunity to have more impact. Just make

sure we do it in a conservative and responsible way, fiscally. I look back and that and think

we were sort of crazy to go for it in that environment but we did and we got there and

it helped our other fundraising. Think big. Nothing is impossible.