An Interview With Jakada Imani, executive director, Ella Baker Center

We're managing our cash flow now more than ever before, staying in communication with our funders and our donors.

FS: What advice would you give to organizations similar to yours, in size and annual operating budget?
JI: Now is the time to promote the work, the dream of the mission more than asking for money. That's where we've had a breakthrough. Let your work lead. I can't say enough about letting the work lead. Sometimes it's tempting to chase the money. I've found that chasing the money can take you so far off the mission that you end up leaving the constituency unsupported. It's great to have a ton of money, but if it's not fulfilling the mission, what's the point? Build through the work to accomplish your mission, and the money to support it will come.