News from Marsha

Dear Friends,

Dining for Women began in January 2003 when small group of women gathered in my living room excited by the thought that we could make a difference in the world by holding potluck dinners in our homes and donating money (otherwise spent at a restaurant) to organizations helping women in developing countries. One hundred percent of all the money raised was sent to international programs. Co-founder, Barb Collins, and I funded DFW from 2003 until we launched the first Annual Appeal Campaign in 2006.

In just seven years DFW has grown across the United States and beyond to more than 150 active chapters in 39 states, Mexico and Canada.  We are currently raising more than $22,000 per month. Donations to featured programs are projected at $30,000 per month by December, 2010. Imagine DFW's positive impact in the world when we grow to 1500 chapters and raise $200,000 per month!  

DFW's strong grassroots growth has continued unabated so that we are now at an exciting and pivotal point in our development as an organization.

I am sending this letter to communicate an important policy change that will help ensure DFW's future impact on global poverty. After much thought, the Board of Directors has concluded that DFW needs a dependable revenue stream to adequately support current and future growth.

Beginning in July 2010, 10% of monthly program revenue will be directed to operating expenses of DFW, ensuring that we can fulfill our mission of impacting thousands upon thousands of women's lives through collective giving.

The most critical need is for funding to pay the salaries of two part-time staff members and an Executive Director. Other expenses include office rent and supplies, accounting fees, postage, etc.  I will continue to dedicate my time to DFW without drawing a salary. (See attached 2010 budget summary.)    

While this is a change from the current model, it is important to understand several things:

• Donations to featured programs are restricted, meaning that grantees do not use DFW donations for their operating expenses. 90% of program revenue will go to featured programs.
• With 90% of program revenue going to featured programs, DFW remains "best in class" --according to professional nonprofit standards.
• 10% of program revenue will not fund all of DFW expenses. The national leadership team supports a multi-faceted approach to fundraising. DFW will continue to generate revenue from the Annual Appeal Campaign, fundraising events, corporate sponsorships, friends of DFW, and grants writing.
• With sustainability of DFW ensured, our impact will increase substantially by support of a projected 1500 chapters generating $2.3 million by 2012.  

I am proud and humbled that DFW has become a major force for social change. However, we are seeing only the tip of a very large iceberg. DFW is a growing movement of dedicated people connecting through education and a mutual desire to be global change agents.  Your support and enthusiasm for where DFW is today and where we will be tomorrow ensures the organization's sustainability and our ability to change the world -- one dinner at a time.   

Warmly,  

Marsha

Watch Marsha's video on this topic!
 2010 Budget Summary
 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)