An Interview With Fred Mednick, Founder, Teachers Without Borders

FS: How would you describe your fundraising philosophy?
FM: Up to this point, we really had none. In fact, we were criticized for not spending any money in creating a fundraising approach. Today, our philosophy is to ensure that revenue is generated from existing sources, enhanced, expanded and accelerated by public campaigns, coordinated leadership, large-scale awareness and the ability for funders of any kind to see all our financial information, along with verifiable impacts of our programs.

FS: How do you reach out to supporters and potential supporters in ways other than purely fundraising? Are you engaged with social media and social networking?
FM: We are membership-based and depend upon the collective expertise of our members to connect with — and learn from — each other, across borders. We are heavily involved in social media, ranging from Facebook Causes to targeted campaigns. We are also innovating in the field of social media and social networking with our TWB Toolset.

FS: Can you describe a recent successful fundraising effort?
FM: When we have poured our heart and soul into a project, we have been pleasantly surprised. Years ago, when we were asked to help an Afghan girl get a heart operation in the United States, we worked with a filmmaker whose short piece found its way to Ted Koppel’s "Nightline" and earned enough to pay for her operation, her family’s well-being for several months and then some. After the 2008 Chinese earthquake, our experience having worked in the area close to the epicenter won the hearts of many, and we were able to fund our efforts there that continue to this day and beyond. So, we’re getting better and better at this. Ask us again in six months, after the development director has been hired and the TWB Toolset has been released. By that time, we should be able to provide a new story.