As a journalist, I was always trained to assume nothing, to continually reassess; to figure out how to get over, around, under hurdles and obstacles and to get it done -- there's a paper to get out.
This puts me in good stead to run a nonprofit in this economic climate.
So we are experiencing donors who have less to give, foundations who have more applicants for less money and corporate sponsors who are getting hit from all sides.
Today we had a meeting with one company that is deeply interested in partnering with us. It has already made some commitments and is now assessing at what level they will support us in the coming fall. We've been talking since June and we have determined our goals are the same -- to help community; our missions are similar -- using digital technology to improve learning; and we like each other.
But since December the company has seen a sea change. The company has less money to give and so is raising its requirements of those asking for money -- more specifics and more specific plans for assessing our own project and, therefore, the efficacy of the company's donation.
We can do that.
A little extra work but, as i preach to kids and teachers alike, writing helps focus thinking and plans. So we're putting together a much more detailed proposal and expect that, while we may not get as much as we'd been talking about in recent months, we will get support and the project will be better off because of the process.
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Submitted by ggevalt on Fri, 02/06/2009 - 23:26
John Canning (not verified) | Wed, 02/11/2009 - 04:14
At least the website can provide lots of measurable stats!
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»ggevalt | Wed, 02/11/2009 - 16:37
Yes youngwritersproject.org certainly can in terms of traffic.
The student sites are a bit more difficult but certainly can give some numbers.
g
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