FREEDOM READS INC

FREEDOM READS INC

Hamden, CT, US
501(c)(3)
EIN
87-3023665

FREEDOM READS INC

Hamden, CT, US
501(c)(3)
EIN
87-3023665

Overview

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Est.

2021

Fiscal Year Start

Jan 1

Organization Type

Grantseeker
AI Summary
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FREEDOM READS INC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting human rights and services by transforming prisons into spaces of hope and inspiration. With an operating budget of $6.1 million and total revenue of $3.6 million, the organization brings handcrafted bookcases into prisons, creating "Freedom Libraries" that provide inmates with access to literature and a reminder of their worth. The organization does not rely on a single funder for 50% or more of its revenue, ensuring a diverse funding base to support its mission. For more information, visit FREEDOMREADS.ORG.

Mission Statement

FREEDOM READS' MISSION IS TO BRING JOY, INSPIRE HOPE, AND HELP THOSE INSIDE CONFRONT WHAT PRISON DOES TO THE SPIRIT. WE BRING BEAUTIFUL, HANDCRAFTED BOOKCASES INTO PRISONS, TRANSFORMING CELLBLOCKS INTO FREEDOM LIBRARIES. THE FREEDOM LIBRARY IS A PHYSICAL INTERVENTION INTO THE LANDSCAPE OF PLASTIC AND STEEL AND LONELINESS THAT CHARACTERIZES PRISON. IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE FREEDOM TO THINK, TO CONTRIBUTE TO A COMMUNITY, AND EVEN TO DREAM ABOUT WHAT IS POSSIBLE IS TOO OFTEN CURTAILED, FREEDOM READS REMINDS THOSE INSIDE THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN.
Revenues

$3.6M

Expenses

$6.1M

Net Income:
-$2.4M
Assets

$13.2M

Liabilities

$1.5M

Net Assets:
+$11.7M
Operating Budget

$6.1M

Operating Budget by Year

Due Diligence

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Charity Verification Snapshot
IRS EO Business Master File Status
Listed as tax-exempt
IRS Pub 78 Status
Eligible for tax-deductible gifts
IRS Revocation Status
Not in Automatic Revocation of Exemption List
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Total No. of Grants

41

Median grant size
$17.3K
Largest grant received
$5M
R
Reginald Dwayne Betts
Board Member
H
Helena Huang
Board Member
R
Robert Raben
Board Member

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FREEDOM READS INC’s budget?
In 2024, FREEDOM READS INC reported an annual operating budget of around $6.1 million. More detailed financial information is available to registered users.
What causes does FREEDOM READS INC support?
FREEDOM READS INC supports work in Human rights and Human services.
Where does FREEDOM READS INC operate?
FREEDOM READS INC is headquartered in Hamden, CT.
Who funded FREEDOM READS INC recently?
In 2025, FREEDOM READS INC received grants from AMERICAN ONLINE GIVING FOUNDATION INC, BROWN ADVISORY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC, and THE ANDREW W MELLON FOUNDATION. More information on this organization’s funders is available to registered users.
What is the largest grant FREEDOM READS INC received in 2024?
The largest grant to FREEDOM READS INC in 2024 exceeds $5 million.
What is FREEDOM READS INC’s reliance on government grants?
FREEDOM READS INC relied on government grants for more than 20% of their total revenue in 2024.
Overview
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