[squircle]

> in practice, these businesses are usually not very expensive to set up and mainly serve as a way to recover the initial investment, rather than generate significant profit.

Okay, so this makes me think, perhaps, you might want to expand the definition of what you're attempting. Network with small business owners and, I dont know, set up a billboard where they can advertise their wares, or a (temporary) boutique stand/stall for local craftspeople to sell on consignment, with an agreement that a small amount of proceeds go to funding what, to me, sounds like a community center. Do you already have a designated location and permission to do this if the funds come in? Look into "B Corporations" and read "The Lean Startup" if you're not familiar.

> As for Tajik music...

Nice. Thank you for the recommendations.

If it is not too presumptuous/uncouth to ask... Are you a native English speaker or, what language is your mother tongue? Asking only because someday I would like to actually learn to speak a second language conversationally... superficial spanish/latin/french/german doesn't get you very far. Russian or Chinese seems like they would be the most fun to learn.

[nodirvaliev]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful suggestions — I truly appreciate the time and care you’ve put into them.

Unfortunately, we’re working with a very limited timeframe, as we’re hoping to open the school by September. That’s why, at this point, GoFundMe and donations seem like the only viable path forward for us. Still, your ideas are incredibly helpful and might inspire future community projects once we have a stable foundation.

As for languages — my native language is Farsi, but I also speak Russian fluently.

[squircle]

Hey, you're welcome. Nice chatting with you and best of luck! I agree that internet donations (having cash to get you going) seems most viable and appropriate. If it takes off, I look forward to reading about it. The place looks beautiful.

Aside: is there a regionally local non/not-for profit that would accept non monetary gifts like old computers, etc? No need to respond but it might be valuable to pursue this.