This colloquial and utterly brilliant statement was made yesterday by Jeffrey E. Faulkner in his presentation I had the pleasure of hearing at the “Self Generated Income: Surviving or Thriving, A Strategic Path To Sustainability and Mission Enhancement” day-long conference at the Axelson Center for Non-Profit Management.

Mr. Faulkner is the President of Ways to Work, a unique economic empowerment program that helps working poor families solidify position in the workforce, build financial literacy and capacity, and attain self-sufficiency. His organization provides small scale loans to working poor families, and then supports them in learning how to manage that money.

What does this have to do with The Big Hearts Fund? Well.

The entire conference yesterday was focused on how Non-Profit businesses in today’s tough economic environment should explore self-generated income as an essential revenue stream for the future. We heard from several speakers, all of whom were directors of successful organizations that have embraced this idea (Ways to Work, Seguin Works, The Cara Program). I felt encouraged that The Big Hearts Fund is beginning with a business model that includes the sale of well-designed products to fund the charity. Because from what we heard yesterday, charities that have become “addicted” to government hand-outs (grants) are going to be SOL when this new federal budget passes.

I could go on and on about how great I thought this conference was, and how inspiring it was, and how many great ideas I have for our annual meeting/board retreat etc. etc. But I’ll spare you. Suffice it to say that the biggest thing I took away was this: “Non-Profit” does not mean “For Loss.” Non-Profit ain’t nothin’ but tax status… The Big Hearts Fund is a business that in order to do the most good, must have a sustainable way to operate in the black.

On that note, the order for the bowl stands has been placed as of today. The laser cutter estimates a 5 – 6 week lead time… but I can tell you, definitely, that THIS IS IT. We WILL have these out to you, this summer.