Patience, Respect, Relationship

“Lead them to it. Don’t tell them what to give, or even suggest an amount, let them learn and they will decide how they choose to invest ... or not.” These wise words come from a philanthropist friend of mine after I explained a development program created for Williamson County Schools, called The Ambassador Program.

The goal of the program was to introduce business and community leaders to the socioeconomic realities of the highest performing public school district in Tennessee to provoke some kind of action in each participant to support the school system. The reason behind the program stemmed from the differentiated funding from local, state, and federal government sources and the lack of awareness of the socioeconomic diversity within the county’s student population.

While funded equitably through the district’s own budgetary process, some of the district’s school clusters continued to search for financial support to work towards supplying the same kind of resources as other clusters within the county. Many community and business leaders did not know of this kind of diversity. The Ambassador Program would raise awareness and invite participants to create a “give back” opportunity to a school, grade, department, cluster, or extracurricular activity.

The program lasted over five months where Central Office staff would create a program day that introduced a specific facet of providing a K-12 public education including Budgeting & Finance and Teaching & Learning through conversations with the District’s Executive Leadership and visits to as many schools as possible within the district to see the education provided first hand through classroom visits and conversations with school leadership, students, faculty, and parents.

Before the program began, I asked my friend how to cause participants to consider supporting some of our schools financially. Should I simply provide them with a list of things needed within the district when we meet to begin our five month program?

“Only if you don’t want them to return for the next four sessions.”, was the reply. “I am sure that anyone who committed to taking this journey with the schools will be happy to help in some way, but let them learn where it is they would like to give their support. Sure, you could get everyone of them to “give” you something, but this program seems to be about building relationships to cultivate their interests in a variety of areas so that they will help you in a variety of ways going forward. Everyone of your participants will help you, but let them decide how, at what level, and when.”

The art of development is fueled by patience, respect, and relationships. The advice given became a cornerstone for the program. I remain grateful for the advice and for all of the Ambassadors.

It is very hard work to secure funding under any circumstance, but taking the time to refocus your efforts to build relationships and cultivate a corps of investors will build a stronger foundation for your long-term development program.