We are proud to announce that The Marcus Graham Project has just received all of the funding that is needs to run its programs!  APRIL FOOLS!

Our funding needs are actually quite the contrary. On this first day of April, we want to ensure that our supporters, family and friends understand the critical need for this mentorship program; designed to remedy the lack of diversity within the global landscape of media. The Marcus Graham Project is poised to address the national call to produce leaders in the advertising & marketing industries that will contribute to the economic vitality of our country and even the world.

With your support, the Marcus Graham Project will be able to provide mentorship to our nation’s next advertising account managers, executives, art directors, reporters and producers.  Therefore, we are committed to being transparent with our operational needs and funding allocations. This is our way of assuring our supporters that we are good stewards of our gifts and that each gift will have a direct impact on furthering the advancement of our mission.

Although we led this letter with humor, we encourage you not to be FOOLED about your ability to help out. We have immediate needs that are due now and are asking our supporters to help us lead the charge.

We believe that the provision for our programs existed on this Earth before we had the vision for them and that over the next 30 days; we will secure our first round of funding.

1. Our first need is $450 to finalize our 501 (c) 3 status with the Internal Revenue Service. * (45 people giving 10 dollars can make this happen)
2. We have an additional need for scholarships to provide support for the twelve (12) young men that we have selected for our summer boot camp.  We have completed interviews of over two-dozen finalists and will be announcing those selected to come to Dallas for the summer on Sunday April 11^th, on the next episode of The Drum (our online radio program).    These young men will require housing, meals, and most importantly, the equipment and tools necessary for successful completion of their assignments.  The approximate cash value of these needs is $8000.  These items include the following:

Supplies

• Laptop (Hardware & Software)
• Laptop Bag / Backpack
• Flip Cam
• Notepad(s)
• Writing Utensils
• Wireless Internet Cards

Food & Hospitality

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Lodging
• Travel

Note: Twelve (12) corporations or agencies sponsoring one young man’s future can make this happen.z

3.    Our third need is for our normal operational costs, which total $800/month for rent and utilities (including internet, telephone, etc.) Note: 40 people committed to giving $20 a month can make this happen

Please do not be fooled about our needs and do not fool yourself into thinking that you cannot help us get there.  The power of spreading the word, through micro giving (every dollar helps) and most importantly, SACRIFICE will help us get there.  As we enter a weekend celebrating SACRIFICE, please reach deep into your heart and spirit and think about ways that you can help our effort.

To give online please click the donate button found at www.marcusgrahamproject.org.  And if you have any questions on how you can give, please call our Google Voice line at 214-810-6475 or email info@marcusgrahamproject.org.

We were recently featured in Advertising Age again as it relates to our plight and immediate needs. Please visit the following link:  http://adage.com/u/XvsTrb

Welcome to the month of April!  A month where provision will meet vision via the gift of Sacrifice.

*Note: we currently have a fiscal sponsor in place so that any donations that we receive, whether cash or in-kind, are tax-deductible)

Follow our advancements and other pertinent information at: www.twitter.com/mgproject