Cultivation Strategy Plan

Red River Literacy Project — Major Donor Cultivation Strategy (Evelyn Cho) Prepared by Marcus Hill, Development Coordinator; Reviewed by Ana Delgado, Executive Director

1) Prospect Snapshot - Capacity: Likely $50,000–$150,000 over 12–18 months. - Business/Wealth: Owns three local laundromats (Northside Laundry, SparkSpin, RiverWash). Closed on a commercial property sale in Q3 (public records show ~$1.1M). - Affinity indicators: First-gen college grad; grew up translating for parents in a farmworker family; sponsors free laundry days for families; has asked about mobile services for hard-to-reach neighborhoods. - Prior giving: To us: $2,500 (2023 Read-a-Thon), $1,000 (2024 EOY). To others (public): Friends of the Library ($10k children’s corner), Boys & Girls Club ($15k workforce prep), local ESL nonprofit ($7.5k). - Decision-making: Reviews larger gifts quarterly with her brother (CPA) and prefers restricted gifts with visible local results. Comfortable deciding after seeing a simple budget and timeline; appreciates a naming opportunity. - Known connectors: Board Chair Luis Ortega is a customer and knows Evelyn from the Chamber; volunteer tutor Mei Lin knows Evelyn through the Korean American Business Assoc. - Preferred communication: Quick text to schedule; email for materials; phone for decisions. Avoid long Zooms.

2) Cultivation Goal & Case - Goal: Engage Evelyn over 9 months toward a $25,000–$40,000 leadership gift to launch the Mobile Reading Lab serving trailer parks and farmworker camps. - Case in a sentence: Her gift puts bilingual books, tablets, and tutors on wheels so kids where she grew up can build daily reading habits and parents can join in. - What her gift enables: Outfit the van (shelves, tablets, hotspot), bilingual part-time tutor coverage, book packs, fuel, and first-year evaluation for two weekly routes. Total first-year launch budget: $120,000; leadership gifts of $25k–$40k unlock vendor discounts and a community match.

3) Strategy & Timeline (9 months) - Jan–Mar: Warm peer intro, values conversation, and site visit to see the pilot setup and hear parent/tutor voices. - Apr–Jun: Co-create elements (route map input, book selection), share draft budget/naming options; pre-ask meeting before fiscal year-end. - Jul–Sep: If needed, second natural ask moment tied to Aug 12 Book Fair; recognition planning and stewardship.

Key dates to anchor: Board meetings Apr 10 and Jul 17; Spring Read-a-Thon May 18; Fiscal year-end Jun 30; Back-to-School Book Fair Aug 12.

4) Touchpoint Plan 1. Warm Peer Intro Coffee - Objective: Establish trust; hear her philanthropic priorities for 2025–26. - Donor value: Peer perspective from Luis; we listen first. - Format: Peer intro meeting. - Owner: Board Chair (Luis) with Marcus. - Date window: Jan 22–Feb 5. - Materials: One-pager “Mobile Reading Lab at a glance” (budget ranges, outcomes). - Time/cost: 2 hrs prep/meeting; coffee <$20. - Qualification Q: What types of community results feel most meaningful for you this year?

2. Micro Site Visit + Parent Story - Objective: Connect impact to her lived experience; see the van mock-up and materials. - Donor value: Direct parent/tutor voices; tactile demo of book packs/tablets. - Format: Site visit at our storage lot/classroom. - Owner: Marcus with Program Lead (Carla); brief drop-in by ED (Ana). - Date window: Feb 19–Mar 5. - Materials: Van layout, sample route map, brief outcomes snapshot from last summer pilot. - Time/cost: 4 hrs prep/visit; snacks $25. - Qualification Q: If we could only measure one outcome from this mobile route, which would you pick?

3. Advisory Call: Route Map + Access Barriers - Objective: Invite her advice on laundry-day co-locations and safe parking. - Donor value: Uses her local business savvy; her name will shape the plan. - Format: 30-min call. - Owner: Marcus. - Date window: Mar 18–Mar 28. - Materials: Draft route map with 3 trailer parks and 2 farmworker camps; risk notes. - Time/cost: 1.5 hrs prep/call; $0. - Qualification Q: Would co-hosting a “Read & Wash” day at SparkSpin interest you?

4. Program Salon at Office (6–8 people) - Objective: Build peer energy; share field insight on rural literacy gaps. - Donor value: Small-group learning; meet another lead donor. - Format: Salon with brief talk by Program Lead; Q&A. - Owner: Marcus; Board host: Luis. - Date window: Apr 8–Apr 12 (before 4/10 board mtg ideal). - Materials: Two-slide data brief; parent quote cards. - Time/cost: 5 hrs; refreshments $60. - Qualification Q: What would make this feel like “yours” if you chose to lead?

5. Read-a-Thon Field Moment - Objective: Let her see kids and families; recognize her quietly as a champion-in-the-making. - Donor value: Joy + results; she sees volunteer tutors in action. - Format: Event attend/mini-tour. - Owner: Marcus to host; ED greets. - Date window: May 18 (event day). - Materials: Short tour script; kid reading tracker board. - Time/cost: 3 hrs; $0. - Qualification Q: How does this compare to what you hoped to see on the ground?

6. Pre-Ask Conversation with ED - Objective: Confirm interest, share clean budget and naming menu; invite leadership gift. - Donor value: Clarity on dollars-to-outcomes; timeline; recognition choices. - Format: In-person meeting. - Owner: ED (Ana) with Marcus; Luis on standby if she prefers peer present. - Date window: Jun 12–Jun 20. - Materials: Two-page budget, pledge form (multi-installment option), naming options (e.g., “Cho Family Route – North”). - Time/cost: 3 hrs; $0. - Qualification Q: Would you consider anchoring the launch so we can lock vendor pricing before June 30?

7. Book Fair Activation + Stewardship - Objective: If not yet closed, second natural moment; otherwise celebrate and outline stewardship. - Donor value: Visibility with families; tangible impact of books in hands. - Format: Event ribbon-cut preview of mobile shelves; brief thank-you. - Owner: Marcus; ED remarks if gift closed; Luis invites if still pending. - Date window: Aug 12. - Materials: Recognition signage mock-up; update on first two months route schedule. - Time/cost: 3 hrs; $40 signage print. - Qualification Q: Would you like to see monthly family participation snapshots from the route you supported?

5) Engagement Signals & Decision Gates - Readiness signals: Rapid replies within 48 hours; asks about unit costs (per stop/per child); offers site/partner referral; requests pledge form or tax info; brings her brother/CPA into convo. - Trigger to ask: Any two readiness signals after Touch 4; otherwise ask at Touch 6. - Slow signals: Reschedules twice, focuses only on events, or avoids budget—delay ask and add one more value touch (e.g., brief tutor huddle invite) before August.

6) Roles & Coordination - ED involvement: Quick hello at site visit; full presence at pre-ask (Touch 6) to confirm commitment and terms. - Board Chair involvement: Warm intro (Touch 1); optional at pre-ask if she prefers peer present; joins final ask only if invited. - Briefings: Marcus emails one-page brief 24 hrs before each engagement (prospect status, goal, roles); debrief notes entered in CRM within 48 hrs. - Follow-up: Marcus sends materials/thanks same day; ED sends handwritten note after Touches 2 and 6.

7) Risks/Contingencies - Risk: Project delay (vehicle procurement). Plan: Be transparent; offer restricted holding account and timeline; invite her to fund early staffing/training meanwhile. - Risk: She prefers scholarships over capital. Plan: Offer “Family Reading Fund” designation that underwrites books and tutors on her named route. - Risk: Competing Q2 asks. Plan: Offer installment schedule (now–Dec) and match lever if committed by June 30.

8) Tracking & Next Steps - CRM (Bloomerang) fields to update: Constituent timeline notes; Major Donor Stage; Next Task Date; Capacity; Inclination; Solicitation Amount; Soft credit/connector; Communication preference. - Metrics: Meetings secured (target 5); Site visit completed; Advisory input captured; Pre-ask completed by Jun 20; Gift or clear timeline by Aug 12. - Tasks: Create Jan 22 intro task; after each touch, set next task within 48 hrs; upload materials sent; log signals (budget Q, referral, CPA looped).

9) Draft Ask Path & Natural Moment - Framing: Evelyn, you told us you want visible, local results. A $25,000–$40,000 leadership gift launches the Mobile Reading Lab’s North Route so kids in the trailer parks you flagged get weekly bilingual tutoring and books for a full year. - Designation options: - $40,000: Full route launch (staffing, books, fuel, evaluation) with naming. - $30,000: Van outfitting + six months staffing. - $25,000: Tutor coverage + books for one route for 9 months. - Likely objections and quick responses: - Concern: Will families actually show up? Response: In last summer’s pilot, 78% of enrolled kids attended 6+ sessions; co-locating with laundry days kept no-shows under 10%. - Concern: Sustainability? Response: Year two blends city mini-grant + recurring gifts; your leadership gift unlocks a $20k community match we’ve lined up. - Concern: Recognition modesty. Response: We can keep it low-key (route nickname only) and focus recognition on family stories. - Natural ask moment: Touch 6 (Jun 12–20) after reviewing the two-page budget and naming menu, tied to fiscal year-end urgency and vendor pricing. Backup natural moment: Aug 12 Book Fair tour if June timing isn’t right.

Prepared by: Naomi Ruiz, Director of Development Reviewed by: Dr. Carla Nguyen, Executive Director

1) Prospect Snapshot - Profile: Kline Family Fund (DAF at Chicago Community Trust). Capacity: indications of $1M+ in annual giving. Pattern of six‑figure gifts to maternal/infant health, community health workers (CHWs), and place‑based equity. - Affinity indicators: Chicago/South Side focus; interest in evidence‑based, community‑led models; comfort funding through DAF. Values likely include: data‑informed impact, dignity in care, and leveraging systems partners (hospitals). - Prior giving: No gift on record to Metro Birth Justice Collective (MBJC) — to confirm in Salesforce. Public signals suggest support to maternal health and community‑based providers (verify via CCT advisor). - Decision process: Family‑led, advised by a CCT philanthropic advisor; quarterly cycles typical for DAFs. Expect short concept note, then budget/outcomes, then recommendation to CCT for processing. - Known connectors: CCT Philanthropic Services (identify assigned advisor via our CCT relationship manager); potential peer connectors: Board Development Chair’s network; OB‑GYN volunteer Dr. Lena Brooks’ South Side hospital colleagues. To confirm appropriateness before outreach. - Preferred communication: Brief, data‑rich emails followed by scheduled calls; concise 2–3 page briefs; well‑run site visits. Avoid high‑gloss events; emphasize substance.

2) Cultivation Goal & Case - Goal: Secure a lead gift of $250,000–$400,000 toward scaling the Neighborhood Birth Equity Initiative (NBEI) to three South Side hospitals in 2025, positioning Kline as a catalytic partner. - Why them: Their focus mirrors NBEI’s CHW/doula integration, hospital partnership, and closing racial gaps in birth outcomes. - What their gift makes possible (illustrative): launch at 3 hospitals; train and deploy 18 CHWs/doulas; serve 900 birthing people/year with prenatal–12‑month postpartum supports; shared data/evaluation; hospital learning collaborative.

3) Strategy & Timeline (12 months; capacity‑aware) - Phase 1: Qualify and align (Mar–May). Objective: Secure warm introduction, confirm fit, and schedule site visit. - Phase 2: Co‑design and deepen (Jun–Sep). Objective: Engage in outcomes/budget conversation; show hospital partner readiness; invite advisory input. - Phase 3: Ask and close (Sep–Dec). Objective: Present tailored proposal and secure DAF recommendation before Dec 31 fiscal year‑end; steward decision.

4) Touchpoint Plan (7 touches; each 1.5–6 hours staff time incl. prep/follow‑up) 1. Peer‑intro email and 20‑min discovery call - Objective: Establish fit and secure permission for deeper materials. - Donor value: Efficient overview; option to opt in. - Format: Peer intro via CCT advisor, then Zoom. - Owner: Naomi (lead). - Date window: Mar 11–Apr 5 (prep before Board 3/5; debrief after). - Materials: 2‑page NBEI brief; 1‑page outcomes snapshot. - Qualification question: What outcomes or communities are top‑of‑mind for your family this year?

2. Policy & Practice Forum invitation (April 22) - Objective: Demonstrate field leadership and hear beneficiary voices. - Donor value: Curated learning; seat with clinical partners. - Format: Event invite with hosted meet‑and‑greet. - Owner: Naomi; Dr. Brooks greets; brief ED hello. - Date window: Apr 22. - Materials: Agenda; speaker bios; 90‑sec video story. - Qualification question: Which parts of today’s discussion felt most actionable to you?

3. Site visit with program lead at South Side hospital - Objective: Connect NBEI model to hospital workflow and outcomes. - Donor value: See CHW/doula integration; hear partner commitment. - Format: Site visit + debrief. - Owner: Program Lead + Naomi; ED joins this second meeting. - Date window: May 13–Jun 7. - Materials: Logic model; draft expansion timeline; letters of intent from hospitals. - Qualification question: What would you need to see to feel confident anchoring the expansion?

4. Outcomes and budget working session - Objective: Invite input on milestone design and reporting cadence. - Donor value: Influence measurement that matters to them. - Format: 45‑min Zoom. - Owner: Naomi + Evaluation Manager. - Date window: Jun 24–Jul 12. - Materials: 12‑month budget (range), milestone options, sample dashboard. - Qualification question: Which 3 indicators should we commit to report to you quarterly?

5. Field insight memo + CHW roundtable - Objective: Share what we’re learning across sites; elevate CHW voice. - Donor value: Real‑time insight; operational credibility. - Format: 4‑page memo emailed; optional 30‑min roundtable Zoom. - Owner: Naomi; Dr. Brooks moderates. - Date window: Aug 5–16. - Materials: Memo PDF; brief audio clip from CHW. - Qualification question: Where do you see the biggest leverage for your philanthropy in the next 12 months?

6. Community Partner Salon (Sept 14) hosted by Board Development Chair - Objective: Normalize peer support; preview funding consortium. - Donor value: Peer learning; social proof; potential match opportunity. - Format: Small salon (10–12 guests). - Owner: Board Dev Chair hosts; Naomi produces; ED brief remarks (5 min). - Date window: Sept 14. - Materials: One‑page “Expansion at a Glance”; draft recognition options. - Qualification question: Would a leadership match be of interest to you?

7. Post‑salon debrief and ask - Objective: Present tailored $250k–$400k request and close on timeline. - Donor value: Clear plan; designation options; reporting commitment. - Format: 45‑min Zoom or in‑person. - Owner: Naomi leads; ED present; Dr. Brooks available as credibility voice. - Date window: Sept 16–27. - Materials: 4‑page proposal, detailed budget, outcomes schedule, DAF recommendation instructions. - Qualification question: Which designation resonates most for you and your family?

5) Engagement Signals & Decision Gates - Readiness signals: Rapid responses (<5 business days); brings family member/advisor; asks outcome/budget or hospital MOU questions; requests draft language for DAF; offers referral. - Decision gates: 1) After site visit + outcomes session and receipt of budget interest → schedule ask. 2) If they attend Salon and request follow‑up → make the ask in Touch 7. 3) If they decline Salon but ask for proposal → move to ask via Zoom within 2 weeks.

6) Roles & Coordination - Naomi: Quarterback; preps briefs; logs in Salesforce; sends follow‑ups within 48 hours. - ED (Dr. Nguyen): Joins second meeting and site visit; present for ask; escalates institutional questions. - Board Development Chair: Hosts Sept 14 salon; opens/close with 2‑minute framing; provides prospect notes to Naomi same day. - Dr. Lena Brooks (volunteer ambassador): Clinical credibility; co‑hosts Forum table; attends site visit; optional co‑solicitor if rapport strong. - Briefing: 2‑page prep memo sent 48 hours before each touch; roles/timeboxed remarks; single ask lead identified. - Follow‑up: Thank‑you within 24 hours; recap and next steps within 48 hours; attach materials.

7) Risks/Contingencies - Gatekeeper timing at CCT → build 2–3 week buffer; provide concise concept note. - Hospital scheduling slips → offer virtual walkthrough video. - Preference for program‑only funding → present budget with clear non‑lobbying, direct program lines. - Decision delay past Dec 31 → propose pledge with Jan recommendation; secure written intent.

8) Tracking & Next Steps (Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud) - Create Account: Kline Family Fund (DAF) and Contact(s); link Soft Credit to individual(s). - Opportunity: “Kline—NBEI Expansion—FY2025,” Amount Range field ($250k–$400k), Stage (Qualification → Cultivation → Solicited → Committed), Close Date: Dec 15. - Tasks/Activities: Log each touch within 48 hours; attach materials; Next Step with due date. - Campaign attribution: “NBEI Expansion 2025.” - Metrics: Discovery call secured; Site visit completed; Outcomes session completed; Salon attended; Pre‑ask signal recorded; Ask made; Verbal yes; DAF recommendation received; Funds deposited.

9) Draft Ask Path & Natural Moment - Framing: We’re inviting you to anchor the South Side expansion of NBEI across three hospitals. A leadership gift of $250,000–$400,000 will train and deploy CHW/doula teams, stand up data and evaluation, and ensure hospital readiness—touching 900 families in year one. - Designation options: 1) CHW/Doula Cohort and Supervision ($150k–$220k) 2) Hospital Launch and Integration ($60k–$100k) 3) Data/Evaluation and Learning Collaborative ($40k–$80k) 4) 10% flexible within program for rapid response (non‑lobbying) - Likely objections and responses: • Concern: We avoid funding ongoing operations. Response: This gift catalyzes time‑bound launch costs with hospital co‑funding ramping by year two; we’ll share signed MOUs and a sustainability plan. • Concern: DAF can’t fund advocacy. Response: Funds are restricted to program and evaluation; no lobbying included. • Concern: Prefer matching structure. Response: We can structure your gift as a 1:1 challenge to peer funders and hospitals with defined milestones. - Natural ask moment: Post‑Salon debrief (Touch 7), when interest and peer context are fresh and before Oct 2 Board meeting update. - Internal checkpoints: Board updates Mar 5 (green‑light plan), Jun 11 (approve proposal elements), Oct 2 (close status). Aim for DAF recommendation by Dec 1; fiscal year‑end Dec 31. Low‑cost execution throughout (Zoom, concise PDFs, short video).

Prepared by: Sophia Liang, Senior Major Gifts Officer Reviewed by: James Holloway, CEO

1) Prospect Snapshot - Capacity: $10M–$20M+ near-term liquidity; founder of a cloud security company that IPO’d in 2022; holds significant appreciated stock and options; active family office. - Affinity indicators: Public statements on ocean health and climate adaptation; invests in climate-tech; recreational diver; follows blue-carbon market developments; attended regional ocean policy forums. - Prior giving (to verify/partially confirmed): Six-figure gifts to climate and STEM nonprofits; mid-five-figure sponsorship at a local marine institute; PCC: event attendance in 2023; subscribed to our research briefings. - Decision-making process: Primary decider with input from family office CIO and a philanthropic advisor; prefers data-driven cases with clear unit economics and credible third-party validation; comfortable with program-restricted, milestone-based grants. - Known connectors: Ocean Council member Maya Chen (mutual with Ravi via Stanford Engineering alumni circle); corporate counsel knows PCC Board Treasurer. - Preferred communication: Efficient email followed by scheduled calls; values concise memos with links to technical appendices; appreciates site-based experiences that include scientists and community partners.

2) Cultivation Goal & Case - Goal: Secure a $2,500,000–$5,000,000 commitment within 10 months for the Blue Carbon Coastal Resilience Program, focused on kelp forest restoration and community science. - Case themes for Ravi: Scalable coastal climate impact with measurable carbon and biodiversity outcomes; opportunity to accelerate state-leading kelp restoration and a community science model that improves monitoring density at low cost; option to contribute appreciated stock across tranches with milestone gates.

3) Strategy & Timeline - Months 1–3 (Qualification & Alignment): Establish values fit; share credible impact baselines; involve peer validator; secure site experience. - Months 4–6 (Co-Design & Budget Preview): Present unit costs, 3-year roadmap, and validation plan; invite technical input; align on designation and milestones; leverage Oct 12 Oceans Gala for peer reinforcement. - Months 7–10 (Close & Structure): Use November dive window to cement conviction; present final proposal in December aligned with year-end portfolio review; close and schedule funding tranches by January; public recognition (optional) by March.

4) Touchpoint Plan 1. Introductory strategic call - Objective: Confirm fit and priorities; secure agreement for site visit. - Donor value: Concise overview + tailored options; time-respectful. - Format/Owner: 30-min Zoom; Owner: Sophia Liang. - Date window: Early June (before June 20 Board retreat). - Materials: 2-page Blue Carbon Brief + link to technical appendix. - Qualification question: “How do you assess philanthropic priorities this year?” - Time/Cost: 2 hrs prep + 0.5 hr call; no cost.

2. Targeted science briefing at lab - Objective: Demonstrate scientific rigor and monitoring methods. - Donor value: Direct access to lead scientist; methods transparency. - Format/Owner: Lab tour + briefing; CEO/ED leads; Sophia facilitates. - Date window: Week of June 20 (adjacent to Board retreat; 60–75 mins). - Materials: Monitoring dashboard demo; third-party validation letter. - Qualification question: “Which outcome metrics would give you confidence to scale?” - Time/Cost: 6 hrs prep; light refreshments <$150.

3. Peer dinner hosted by Ocean Council - Objective: Social proof; expose to practitioner and funder peers. - Donor value: Curated conversation on blue-carbon innovation. - Format/Owner: Small dinner (8–10); Host: Board member Maya Chen; Sophia attends. - Date window: Late July. - Materials: 1-page outcomes map; guest list bios. - Qualification question: “Where do you see private capital and philanthropy intersecting in blue carbon?” - Time/Cost: 8 hrs coordination; dinner underwritten by host.

4. Field site visit: kelp restoration operations - Objective: Connect impact to place; showcase community science. - Donor value: Meet dive team and community monitors; observe protocols. - Format/Owner: Site visit; CEO joins for Q&A; Program Lead present; Sophia owns logistics. - Date window: Late August or early November (primary: November dive window). - Materials: Site packet with safety plan and real-time transect data. - Qualification question: “What would you need to see to commit multi-year support?” - Time/Cost: 10 hrs planning; transport <$300; safety insurance covered.

5. Pre–fiscal year-end budget preview - Objective: Share 3-year scale plan with unit costs and milestones. - Donor value: Transparency on costs, risks, and gating. - Format/Owner: 45-min Zoom + annotated budget; Owner: Sophia with CFO on standby. - Date window: Mid-September (before Sept 30 FY-end). - Materials: Budget, Gantt milestones, risk register. - Qualification question: “Would milestone-based tranches fit your giving structure?” - Time/Cost: 5 hrs prep; no cost.

6. Oceans Gala + backstage briefing - Objective: Reinforce momentum; showcase beneficiary voices. - Donor value: Recognition environment; meet community science leaders. - Format/Owner: Event attendance + 15-min backstage briefing; CEO greets; Sophia manages. - Date window: Oct 12. - Materials: Impact sizzle reel; beneficiary remarks. - Qualification question: “Which aspect of the program resonated most tonight?” - Time/Cost: 6 hrs event shepherding; tickets comped.

7. Year-end investment conversation (ASK) - Objective: Present formal proposal; discuss structure and timing. - Donor value: Tax-efficient pathways; stock transfer facilitation; naming options. - Format/Owner: 60-min meeting (in person or Zoom); CEO and Sophia. - Date window: Early–mid December (aligned with portfolio review). - Materials: Proposal with options, draft grant agreement, DTC stock instructions. - Qualification question: “Would you prefer a single stock transfer or a two-tranche approach across calendar years?” - Time/Cost: 6 hrs prep; no cost.

8. Post-commitment technical advisory invite - Objective: Deepen engagement; invite to 2 advisory sessions/year. - Donor value: Influence roadmap; periodic data reviews. - Format/Owner: Written invitation + calendar hold; Owner: Sophia; Program Lead to follow. - Date window: January. - Materials: Advisory charter; annual learning agenda. - Qualification question: “Which quarterly metrics would you like on your dashboard?” - Time/Cost: 3 hrs prep; no cost.

5) Engagement Signals & Decision Gates - Readiness signals: Rapid replies (<48 hrs); asks outcome/ROI questions; requests budget detail; introduces family office/advisor; offers referral or in-kind support; asks about timing, tranche sizes, or stock transfer. - Ask trigger: Any two of the above observed by or before October 12, or explicit interest during November site visit; otherwise proceed to December ask aligned to portfolio review.

6) Roles & Coordination - CEO: Lead scientific briefing at lab; attend site visit Q&A; co-lead December ask; confirm terms. - Board/Ocean Council (Maya Chen): Warm intro; host July peer dinner; serve as volunteer solicitor at Gala table; provide peer validation. - Sophia: Overall quarterback; briefing notes (24 hrs prior) and contact reports (within 48 hrs after); manages materials and CRM updates; coordinates with Program Lead, CFO, and Family Office Liaison for stock gifts.

7) Risks/Contingencies - Scheduling conflicts: Offer virtual ROV live-stream if dive is weathered out. - Market volatility: Provide tranche and pledge flexibility; offer collar timing for stock. - Gatekeeper delays: Proactively brief family office; provide short memos for forwarding. - Reputational/recognition preferences: Default to private recognition unless invited. - Bandwidth: Limit attendees at each touch; reuse core materials; leverage board host underwriting.

8) Tracking & Next Steps - Blackbaud CRM: Create Opportunity “R. Narayanan – Blue Carbon” with range $2.5–$5M; Stage: Qualification to Solicitation; Target Close: December 20. - Fields to update: Capacity rating; inclination score; next-step date; solicitor team; strategy notes; contact reports for each touch; documents attached (briefs, budgets, proposal). - Metrics: Meetings secured (target 6+); site visit completed; pre-ask commitment indicator (verbal/email); response time trend; number of qualification questions logged. - Immediate tasks: Schedule June call; hold lab briefing slot near June 20; confirm Maya’s July dinner date; pencil Nov dive window; draft December proposal template.

9) Draft Ask Path & Natural Moment - Framing: “Ravi, with your leadership, we can restore 1,200 acres of kelp and train 500 community scientists, creating a validated blue-carbon model for the Pacific Coast. We’re seeking $2.5–$5M to execute a three-year scale-up with milestone gates.” - Designation options: 1) $4M over 3 years: $3M program expansion + $1M Innovation & Validation Fund. 2) $2.5M naming of the Community Science Hub + monitoring endowment seed. 3) $5M challenge: $3.5M program + $1.5M 1:1 match to crowd in co-funders. - Likely objections and responses: - Market uncertainty: “We can structure two calendar-year tranches and accept appreciated stock to optimize timing.” - Proof of impact: “We’ll report against pre-defined ecological and social KPIs with third-party validation twice yearly.” - Overhead concerns: “Direct and indirect costs are disclosed; monitoring and data integrity require modest, critical shared services.” - Preference to pilot first: “A $1M first-year tranche with go/no-go gates de-risks while reserving the full commitment.” - Natural ask moment: Immediately following the November site visit if readiness signals present; otherwise at the December year-end investment meeting aligned to his portfolio review and before Dec 31 deadlines.