Big Decisions

We have been incredibly lucky in our first year and a half of existence. While so many nonprofit organizations are struggling to confront this challenging economy, we have built a strong foundation of financial support that allows us to focus on our important work. We have built a relationship with Hyde Leadership and 45 of the school's wonderful students. And, recently, we have been approved by District of Columbia Schools to provide after-school services in public schools, starting in the fall of 2011. While I'm pleased with each of these developments, there is no time to rest - we have some big decisions ahead of us!

Of all the tasks that have fallen on my shoulders since Reach's founding, I have found none more intimidating than creating growth projections. Planning expansion seems to involve so much guessing - and so many big numbers! On some of the larger principles, we know our approach. For example, our interest is in developing a strong program in DC before we consider other markets. Our stage one growth plan is local, not national. But, we're left with many questions: How many schools? How many kids? How many dollars?

The time for thinking is over. We must now make decisions. For Reach, that means determining the target number of schools for next year. We will remain at Hyde Leadership, and we will aim to begin training cohorts of tutors at either one or two additional sites. One or two? It doesn't seem like a huge decision, but it represents a difference of $100,000 or more. In this economy, what size program can we effectively support?

With some big funding news expected this week - and a meeting of our Board of Directors on Tuesday - these decisions will be made shortly. It's worth noting that we're discussing the aggressiveness of our growth strategy while others are being forced to contract. We're very proud to have created such a strong foundation in only 18 months. Thank you for all you have done in getting us to this place. We look forward to making you all proud with our continued growth.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Mark