Overview

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Est.

2021

Latest Fiscal Year

Not available

Organization Type

Grantseeker

AI Summary

FREEDOM READS INC is a human rights and human services nonprofit that brings handcrafted bookcases into prisons to create “freedom libraries,” aiming to inspire hope and help people inside confront the emotional impact of incarceration. In filing year 2024, it reported a $6.1M operating budget and $3.6M in total revenue, with listed support from THE ANDREW W MELLON FOUNDATION, THE FORD FOUNDATION, and RESOURCE IMPACT.

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
D
Deborah Leff
Board Member
T
Tracey Meares
Board Member
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  • 61 funders
  • 15 board & team members
  • 3 historic 990s & financials
  • 6-year operating budget trend
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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, Theodore P Chuffers Foundation, and KLIPPER FAMILY 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.