>>Erik: How has PHE approached fundraising and what advice would you give to other non
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.