Host: Donna Paz Kaufman
Notes:
Sara from Charis (Atlanta) and Ryan (Open Book in Chicago) shared their structures, how they evolved and how they work best.
Charis has several entities: a for-profit bookstore and two no-profit initiatives. What general booksellers consider author events are considered programs.
Open Book is 100% non-profit. Bookstore revenues help fulfill the mission.
Sources of funds:
Private donors: monthly, one-time, founders
Family trusts – often have fewer strings attached, can be used for overhead and staff
Local grants
Government grants – the most time-consuming and tedious
Advice:
- Find Your Niche – Know what kinds of programs and outreach you want to do. Put this in place beforehand so you know where to look for funding.
- Create Relationships – A year or two before you form a non-profit, meet with officers to share your work and understand the initiatives they are interested in supporting.
Reimagining Bookstores 