From the Ski for Light Bulletin - Summer 2013
by Cassie
Bonnie is at it again. She's in charge of raising funds from foundations for SFL and she's doing it all wrong. I want to go for a walk, and she's pounding away on her computer writing applications to foundations she thinks might give money to SFL. And what's her success rate at writing letters to foundations that have never heard of SFL and where she doesn't know anyone? Zero. Nada. Zip. I keep trying to explain to her that's not how you raise money. You raise money through personal contacts. But, she won't listen. She thinks that if something doesn't work, she should just keep doing it and she will be successful. She ought to know better.
She's had great success at working with foundations that have supported us in the past. And she's had even better luck when SFL members who know people affiliated with family foundations talk to them about SFL. Bonnie's great at following up with the foundation and sending all the right materials. Then suddenly, a donation appears.
It's so easy to talk to friends about SFL. Last winter, Bonnie opened a bottle of wine and began talking about SFL with a friend who had a connection to a family foundation. Bonnie talked so enthusiastically about SFL that the friend's foundation gave SFL $2,500 for VIP and MIP scholarships. It was really painless for everyone. The friend likes dogs so I got lots of petting and treats while they talked and drank wine, and I even forgot that I had to go.
So, if you know anyone who is connected with a family foundation or another group that might want to support SFL, please give Bonnie a call. She'll talk to you about how you should approach the foundation and she'll send the foundation all the information they need. Also, if you have a good connection with a fraternity like Delta Gamma or Lion's Clubs, she'd like to talk to you as well.
I guess Bonnie's done on the computer and ready to mail off another batch of letters. I don't think she'll raise much money, but at least I'll get my walk to the mailbox!
If you want to contact Bonnie, you can reach her during the evenings at 703 845-3436, or email her at boday@mathematica- mpr.com.
Tell her to give me an extra treat while you're at it!