The need for emergency financial assistance within the bookstore and comic shop community continues to grow, both in the size and the quantity of grants, and the Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation is kicking off its year-end campaign, Read Love Support, with a goal of raising $150,000 in donations before Dec. 31, 2023, to ensure it can continue its commitment to never turn anyone in need away.
Binc continues to see double digit increases in the number of financial assistance requests and grants provided every month compared to 2022. This year has also seen a 15% increase in requests for mental health and wellness support.
“We are proud to be able to address every situation whether it is the death of a family member, a cancer diagnosis, a car that has driven through the store front, a broken pipe that floods a store, being priced out of your apartment and having to live in your car, a fire that destroys a home or, most recently, a bomb threat,” said Binc Executive Director Pam French, “but we can’t do it alone. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who chooses to support the bookstore and comic shop employees and owners who make their community great at a time when many worthy causes are also seeking funding.”
Penguin Random House will match all gifts dollar for dollar, doubling the power and impact of donations received up to a total of $15,000.
“We are always proud to work with our longtime partners and friends at Binc on their meaningful campaign to support bookstores and comic book shops,” said Jaci Updike, president of sales at Penguin Random House US. “As pillars of their communities who spread the love of books and reading to people everywhere, they deserve our support and gratitude year-round, especially this holiday season.”
In addition, Binc supporters will get an audiobook of their choice from Libro.fm. Give $100 and get one audiobook credit; give $500+ and get three audiobook credits. This offer is available until Dec. 31, 2023.
“Libro.fm is immensely grateful for Binc’s vital role in supporting booksellers and comic retailers in need,” said Mark Pearson, CEO and co-founder of Libro.fm. “The needs are so great across thousands of bookstores that without Binc, no other organization could handle the needs at this scale. Binc is uniquely positioned to redirect contributions from book lovers to booksellers who need it most during an emergency.”
To donate and have your donation matched for greater impact, click here.