A Red & Gray Group was not admitted to the New Beginnings Nonprofit Incubator program. Bummer.

It's frustrating to see incredible opportunity and not be able to convince other people of it. I'm sure this won't be the first rejection letter I receive for A Red & Gray Group, but the first one stings a little worse.

Their response included some reasons why we didn't get in. They're all good questions, questions I thought I had answered in my application. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough.

Here's my response letter:

I would like to thank you again for reviewing my application and taking the time to write me a thoughtful response.

I would like to address the shortcomings you identified in my proposal. I foresee that the biggest hurdle facing the creation of A Red & Gray Group is the ability to concisely explain our programs and operation. Therefore, it is necessary for me to take this time to craft responses to your important concerns.

The scope of the program may not constitute a nonprofit organization
It is vital for A Red & Gray Group operate as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. This designation will position us as the charitable outlet for design conscious individuals, businesses, and trade groups to channel their financial and personnel resources. This reliance on donations from the untapped design world will empower us to collaborate with smaller nonprofit organizations that may not otherwise have the resources to pay for our services.

A Red & Gray Group serves a small niche of volunteers: designers
More people work in the arts, entertainment, and design industries than as lawyers, accountants, and auditors. And there are now ten times the number of graphic designers than a decade ago according to Daniel Pink in A Whole New Mind. Quantitatively there were 457,000 professionals working in the “Five Design Occupations” as defined by the US Department of Labor in 2004. Comparatively there were 567,000 people working as Physicians or Surgeons in that same period.

It will be difficult competing for funding with more established volunteer matching organizations such as Volunteer Match or Idealist.org
A Red & Gray Group is not comparable and will not compete with these volunteer matching services. These groups provide a forum for nonprofit organizations to post openings for paid and volunteer staff positions. A more appropriate comparison is Doctors Without Borders. This organization provides a meaningful experience for health professionals to use their skills and talents side by side with professional peers. A Red & Gray Group will provide this experience for designers. We allow them to serve people in need and network with other design professionals; sharing and practicing design theory, methodology, and techniques.

I do understand that that there are currently few (if any) organizations operating with the same vision as A Red & Gray Group. Its approach is outside the view of existing nonprofits. However, I see this as an emphatic testament that our programs are in desperate need. And my experience working within organizations gives me encouragement to continue the fight to make this organization happen.

I believe that the reform and revitalization of the nonprofit sector will continue to come from outsiders. Those educated, experienced, and disillusioned by commercial business. Passionate individuals who can provide a fresh perspective on ways we can address the complex, social problems facing our communities.

Again, I understand that acceptance to your program is competitive and I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Chap Ambrose