She’s Helping Put Books in the Hands of 500,000 Tennessee Kids
Abbie Sanderson is helping rewrite the story for 500,000 Tennessee kids through the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation. Meet the woman working to make reading a part of every child’s story. Image: Abbie Sanderson
As the first-ever fundraiser for the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), Abbie Sanderson was a one-woman show. Today, as Director of Development, she leads a team committed to putting books into the hands of 500,000 Tennessee children each year.
Abbie’s own story began on a 52-acre hobby farm in Kentucky. A talented harpist, she dreamed of pursuing a career in music before discovering her passion for nonprofits. Today, this avid reader and mother of two has traded plucking harp strings for pulling heartstrings as she works to spread GELF’s mission and write a brighter future for kids across the state.
Can you give us a snapshot of a day in the life of GELF’s Director of Development?
I have the privilege of building a community of people, companies, foundations, and advocates who want to help children get excited about reading, which is critical in this digital age.
Each day is a little different, but includes strategy development, hiring and team management, culture leadership, meetings with donors and other stakeholders, funder engagement, project planning, admin, and loads of communication. One moment, I might be emailing a donor; the next, I might be conducting strategic research, reviewing a grant application, and so much more.
How did you end up in the nonprofit world? Was there an “aha moment?”
It’s a little embarrassing, but I didn’t even know what nonprofits were until college. I took an Arts Management class in my junior year that showed me 1) the sector exists, 2) the idea that you can’t make any money working for a nonprofit is a myth, and 3) that I have skills that easily match needs in the sector.
I realized “I like this and I can be good at it.” It showed me a different future than the one I initially saw for myself.
Your original plan was to become a professional harpist, correct?
Yes, I got two degrees in Harp Performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. I had started seriously pursuing it at age 14, which is actually pretty late for a classical musician. I was one of those musicians who had passion and musicality, but not a ton of technical skill.
When I discovered nonprofits, I realized I might be better suited to business than to music. In hindsight, I wish I had discovered this sooner, but hey, who has it all figured out in their early 20s? I met my husband in music school, too, so that made it all worth it.
You’ve worked at some pretty iconic nonprofits around Nashville, including Cheekwood and the Country Music Hall of Fame. What did you learn from those experiences?
Nonprofits attract highly committed and hard-working people — people who don’t just “have a job,” they have a cause. Being surrounded by such dedicated people can feel intense sometimes, but it’s also a powerful education. I learn from the people around me every day.
I also feel fortunate that I have had the chance to work in various parts of Nashville. I’ve seen the booming tourism industry firsthand — from bachelorette parties to CMA Fest. I’ve also worked everywhere from a family center in North Nashville to the affluent areas of Belle Meade. Nashville is incredibly diverse, and I love that. I think it makes it a more interesting and fulfilling place to live.
What is the most challenging thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
For me, it’s challenging when people seem to think my cup should always be full because I work for such a cool cause. It’s true that the mission is absolutely wonderful. It’s also true that everyone has rough moments … times when we feel discouraged or tired, no matter how great the mission is. And, because the mission matters so much, there is no limit to how much one can do in its service.
What is the one thing you wish everyone understood about GELF?
We have “Governor” in our name, but we are an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit that has to raise private and public funds to deliver our programs. Through support from the State of Tennessee, GELF covers 50% of the costs of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Tennessee and has for more than 20 years. Dolly doesn’t pay for the books.
GELF also offers numerous other statewide programs, including the K-3 Home Library program, which provides summer book packs to elementary students in every public school across Tennessee. We are, at our core, a trailblazing organization, and the scale of what we do is incredible — we serve 500,000 children each year!
Are you a bookworm?
I’ve always enjoyed reading, but I only began to see it as core to my identity when I was about to become a parent. I devoured parenting books because I was like, “Wait. I have no idea how to do this.” Books help me learn how to do life.
Once my children were born, I started having so much fun with reading — especially children’s books. Picture books and children’s literature don’t get the credit they deserve; they are art, inspiration, laughter, and joy! They are moments of cuddles, shared wonder, unanswered questions, and burgeoning imagination. And that is why I need a bigger shelf …
When you aren’t working, what are you doing? What does your perfect day off look like?
It begins with a fresh cup of French press coffee, working out, a walk around the yard with my husband, working in the garden, playing Blokus with my kids, organizing a space in my house, reading a few chapters of a good book, physical activity with the kids, doing a jigsaw puzzle, a BLT, an ice cream cone, a family movie, and storytime with the kids. I am so lucky every day has at least a few of these things in it!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t let life happen to you. Make life happen.” This was more of a gradual learning for me and came from my husband. It’s easy to be passive, easy to be a victim of circumstance. It’s hard to take ownership and make your life what you want it to be.
What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
People are usually surprised to learn that I was homeschooled my whole life until college. It leads me to wonder what they thought homeschoolers were like.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What’s the last book you read? My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman. It’s one of my top 10 for sure.
Where is your favorite place for a cup of coffee in Nashville? I’ve really been enjoying Retrograde Coffee next to the Sounds Stadium. Cool vibe, and their Purple Rain matcha is fabulous.
What are three things you cannot live without? Windy days, books, and lip balm.
What’s your favorite bookstore in Nashville? I actually love the book sales at the Nashville Public Library, and I think every location has a constant book sale shelf where you can purchase gently used books for a small donation. It benefits the library and gets us some great books — best of both worlds!
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Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.