by Natali Smith

From September 2004 through February 2005, I had the pleasure of being the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training (GIFT) intern at LSPC. GIFT’s goal is to build the capacity of progressive organizations to raise money and to increase the number of people of color in fundraising. GIFT approaches fundraising from a justice orientation. Their focus on people of color is a direct response to racial inequality. They seek to decrease organizations’ dependence on foundation funding by helping nonprofits like ours develop a broad base of individual donors to support their work. (This fall, LSPC will be welcoming a new GIFT intern, Manish Vaidya.)

I had been volunteering at LSPC for a year when I started my GIFT internship, and was dedicated to learning about fundraising so that I could give to LSPC in a different way. As an activist, I had engaged in various fundraising activities, but had never taken the time to learn the principles and politics of fundraising or how essential it is as a partner to organizing. I was able to learn all of these skills as I supported LSPC, and it was a fantastic experience. I met a goal that I set for raising money from a letter I wrote to our supporters in November, and in the process I connected with many folks who believe strongly in our work.

At the end of my six-month internship, I was sad to leave the work behind, but I continue to feel deeply grateful to everyone who supported my learning process. It felt wonderful to be raising money with a unique perspective that served our work. At LSPC, I was constantly reminded that fundraising is not only about money, but building relationships and supporting justice for prisoners, former prisoners and families.