Game On!

First things first: as I've mentioned before, we weren't expecting to hear about our 501(c)(3) status until mid-August at the earliest.  Well, we received our determination letter, and Reach is now a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) organization.  It was quite a surprise to get the letter so quickly.  This means that all donations made, both in the past and in the future, will be tax deductible.  This also opens up many more opportunities for fundraising.  People, get out your checkbooks!

While excited about our new tax-exempt status, there was still work to be done this morning.  I had my first school visit scheduled at the summer school at Montgomery Elementary School.  I had the great opportunity watch instruction in both reading and writing for about two hours.  In addition to instruction, I also observed several assessments using the work of Fountas and Pinnell.  It's just the beginning, but watching some elementary school literacy instruction was helpful for beginning to put our work in context.

After spending the morning in school, I had lunch with Laura Herring and Raj Darolia.  Laura is a teacher at Sheridan School, while Raj is an economist who has experience on the Boards of several young nonprofit organizations.  While they brought very different backgrounds to the table, it made for a very interesting conversation.  Additionally, when I got home, I had an e-mail from a representative at Hyde Leadership Public Charter School expressing some interest in Reach, Inc.  In the coming weeks, I'll look forward to starting the conversation about the possibility of a partnership.

All in all, it's been a very exciting week for Reach, Inc.  Now that we have 501(c)(3) status, you can play an even bigger role in our fundraising activities.  Do you know people in corporations that have a history of giving?  Do you know philanthropic individuals interested in issues surrounding urban education?  Do you know any DC bar or restaurant owners?  All avenues are now open to Reach, Inc., so let's hear your ideas!

Thanks for reading!

Mark

Founder and President - Reach, Inc.