Since I started working for myself, I’ve always offered some kind of scholarship. Usually in the way of sliding scale, and discounts. I believe in the value of what I do, but I also know it’s often very expensive. Scholarships help me stay as accessible as I can.
When I opened a physical location for Superhero Fitness, I wanted to set up a scholarship right away. I wasn’t sure what would be sustainable, so I decided to try and be modest. 10% of our memberships would be set aside to help lower membership costs by up to 60%. I had people and mentors warn me to be pragmatic and wait until we were making money first. They told me this not just about the scholarships but also about me paying coaches above, the abysmal, market rate I was surviving on in years past.
But I refused to listen to that. I don’t want to exist where I have to wait to be generous. I set my plan and did the math so I could be who I am now, and not have an ever moving goal post I’ve seen others have. Lets start right and end right.
Auditing the scholarships
Even though we’re still not making a profit. I continue to commit to being generous and sticking to my values, even when we’re growing, changing, or losing money. 10% felt low but manageable while navigating running and oragnizing this ship. So in May I launched our scholarship and started accepting scholarship applications.
Being a trained accountant I finally did my audit. I checked on our scholarships and found that we’re actually giving 22% of our memberships toward this program each month! I knew we had gone over and damn it felt good to keep giving as we grow. I didn’t know where we are at but here we are over double what I promised.
We currently support 21 people who couldn’t otherwise join, and six more are waiting to be added. I don’t see a reason to limit access, and I’m not going to stop adding people to the scholarship program. This work is what fulfills me.
Upcoming changes and partnerships
Because of this discovery I am giddy to share that I will be keeping a minimum of 20% of our memberships to schoalrships! Though I am restructuring the setup to match my original vision. Giving our scholarships through other organizations.
This week, I’m also meeting with a nonprofit. My goal is to work with organizations that provide resources to people who need them most, and to offer ourselves as an extra resource. Whether someone is getting housing support, addiction recovery services, or is a survivor of domestic violence or abuse, we want to be part of their healing and recovery. Whatever they’re going through, we will be a safe, supportive community.
The heart behind all of this is to not be an isolated resource. I want us to be part of a larger system of community that will support individuals. Just like a homeless person doesn’t just need a home, a child doesn’t just need food, but we all need support, and compassion.
Everyone deserves this—even if their bank account says they can’t afford it.
If you work with a nonprofit or have one you love that you think we could partner with please send us an email to introduce us.
With Heroic Intent.
Derek Anderson – [email protected]
