Comments on: The Dream: Part One.

By: How to Start a Nonprofit Side Hustle: Test the Waters | Rosetta Thurman

How to Start a Nonprofit Side Hustle: Test the Waters | Rosetta Thurman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:59:27 +0000

[...] free training for a board of directors. As another example, Beth Oppenheim over at 25 & Trying recently launched a pro-bono fundraising business to build her skills. Beth started a new blog as a home for her new venture, which she describes [...]

By: Beth Oppenheim

Beth Oppenheim — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:15:38 +0000

Thanks for your perspective, Ali. I definitely appreciate it. After 5 years in fundraising I definitely have learned some of the same lessons. I think you are also right about the small scale. Grassroots has been my first love for a long time and I think it’s right – that the closer you are to the beneficiaries, the closer you are to the “stories” and good experiences. Really appreciate your perspective

By: ali la loca

ali la loca — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:11:35 +0000

I’m interested to see how this turns out for you. It’s a tough field – you know a little bit about my background and experience – and I have to say that I became very, very, very cynical after 5 years writing proposals and business plans for programs and entrepreneurs with – on the surface, at least – good intentions and a desire to help those who are less fortunate. Like anything else, the grant/proposal-writing, development-promotion field is AN INDUSTRY – make no mistake about it. There is a hustle and a good portion of BS and schmoozing just like any other field…so be prepared. My conclusions – and I’d be glad to discuss them with you more in-depth via email – are that if you are truly wanting to “make a difference”, work on the smallest scale possible, as directly with the beneficiary(ies) as possible, and really, seriously, soul-searchingly question your motives as to why you want to help, and whether people really want to change their lives and put in the hard work that requires. It’s not easy, but there are some success stories and I’m happy to say that I have some personal ones to share…but they are, undoubtedly, few and far between.

By: Beth Oppenheim

Beth Oppenheim — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:34:28 +0000

Thanks Cameron, I really appreciate it.

By: Beth Oppenheim

Beth Oppenheim — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:34:14 +0000

Thanks! I still have to schedule in that celebration…

By: cameron plommer

cameron plommer — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:47:50 +0000

Always great to hear people doing thangs in the nonprofit world, because, well frankly, we need a lot of help! Big Ups!

By: Jenny Blake

Jenny Blake — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:43:33 +0000

Congrats Beth! I am so excited for you! I hope you get a chance to go out and celebrate this weekend

By: Beth Oppenheim

Beth Oppenheim — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:46:27 +0000

That would be great, Jason. I think that there’s real opportunity!

By: Jason Parker

Jason Parker — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:25:20 +0000

Beth, great to see this. Would be interested in discussing how I can help–once I move up there, of course!

By: Sam Karol

Sam Karol — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:11:52 +0000

Congrats!! And, best of luck on your new adventure