E-MAILS FROM MELISSA HAND
Thanks you for your sober and insightful letter Melis

I do agree with your initial observation that the AODD Model concept call for the stock inventory fulfillment facility to be
at the end of the production sequence offers an obvious advantage of efficiency.

The attraction of Global Marketplace's proposal is that of an intermediary stage, its virtues being IMO 1. that GM as an established non-profit, adds a dimension to Artcamp's profile, making the Artcamp Cooperative appear more credible and real. 2. Some donor agencies may like to see their grant $$$ in the form of inventory in the United States. We could always show the grant money on GM's balance sheet because having a base of inventory is really a prerequisite for any Distribution Facility.

I do not at all see the proposed GM facility /service as a substitute for the principle features of the Artisan--Owned Direct Distribution Model as described in my own and also in the document you have provided. It is a step, a logical one, and one that will work, so that at least we are always progressing not waiting for someone else to do something.

We are making a FRIENDS OF ARTCAMP website to archive the guiding docs and to feature the allies and associates and resources that are helping Artcamp realize its worthy aim of establishing a profitable form of Producer Distributor in order to 1. improve the standard of living of the artisans and their families and 2. generate $$$ from sales profits to re-invest in the productive process.

Baramati Conference in Mumbai India went very well - The entries in Tamara's
notebook will be posted on our Friends of Artcamp location by this weekend.

Thank you for your support Melissa - and your understanding - it is appreciated probably more than you realize. Thanks for the grant contact possibilities too. We are going to begin to work more intensively at this time to get Artcamp out.

It is reqlly exciting the idea of your working with Artcamp on the Design/Development
Production project for the Mardi Gras ornaments. This should work I think for everyone.

Things have been a bit rough here, as some clients are very slow paying and others have reneged on what they owe for Artcamp product. What is positive and is hard to imagine how to improve, is the moral of the women and their hardworking habits.

I am totally serious about this Melis: the only problem Artcamp has is how to raise itself up a bit. Once the Cooperative has a stable economic basis, I truly do believe that this enterprise will "take off" and become quite successful as a profitable model and that Artcamp will - far from requiring continuing support - be in position to help others.

Best wishes and high regards from Taxco Guerrero Mexico

Jorge Martin

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it is At 01:23 a.m. 20/06/2003 -0400, you wrote:

Dear Ladies and George:

I read the e-mails between you and Gary. That sounds really good. It sounds
like a component of the AODD that will kick-start the program. My concern is:
How many sales can EBay and Yahoo bring in for you? Is this a component of the
AODD? Can Ebay and Yahoo support you? Do you have an idea of projected sales?
One of the glories about the AODD is that semifinished pieces are can be
waiting to be finished with the proper stones at the production site. I see Global
Marketplace as an avenue for you both to go after grant funding together for
the AODD. I will have to think more on it but I believe it is a wonderful
idea, still a branch of the AODD in my mind.

I have another link for you to visit for grant funding. It is a Jewish
organization that supports the empowerment of women in developing countries. Grants
range from approximately $15,000 - $30,000 I believe and can be spread out
over a few years for the period of grant funding. The web site is:
http://www.ajws.org/ You don't have to be Jewish to get the money. The following is a bit
about them and what they support:

AJWS believes that small, community-based organizations in the developing world have the most expertise about the needs of their communities, and what kind of programming will meet those needs. We therefore support grassroots non-governmental organizations with small grants, ranging in size from $15,000-$30,000. Our grants are awarded for a 1-3 year period. In addition to our funding for grassroots development projects, AJWS also provides humanitarian assistance for emergency relief, and technical assistance through the Jewish Volunteer Corps.

When I did the research, it looks like Artcamp could go for a grant under The Women's Empowerment Fund administered by the foundation above. It is worth a good shot. Also, don't let the thought of not getting funding from Tech get you down. Your foot is firmly planted in the door. These funding circles run in packs and sometimes make you go to conferences and ask you to come to gatherings that "create a dialogue" around certain issues of which you and others around the world may be facing. Stay in their face. Keep engaging them as I know you are. After a comfortable rapor has developed, ask them to suggest others who may be interested in funding a project such as Artcamp's. Then you can use their name to get in other funder's doors. Funders are willing to talk to other funders for you if you know them really well and encourage them for a site visit.

Times are tough all around with the economy so down. Our president here is not helping matters. Foundations have less to give. That is a nightmare, especially for the nonprofit I work for. Approximately 90% of our operating funds come from foundations. My point is, do not give up hope. The circles you are beginning to run in are the ones that make a nonprofit last. You are only three years old, legally. You are well on your way to begging around for a long time. I know I cannot imagine the hard times you all must go through on a daily basis dealing with cash flow and trying to keep it all together. My heart is with you.

I hope the link mentioned above helps.

For the next three weeks I have a contract sculpture job for designing and
making the original model for a four foot by four foot ceiling tile. The money I
make from that is going into an account to start my jewelry business with
you. I will still be available for what you need by e-mail but calling on
accounts will be impossible for a while as my availability to check e-mails will be
limited to nights.

I'll keep in touch. Hope all is going smooth.

Keep the faith,

Melis