Capital Campaign – The Next Chapter
The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is on a mission to put books in the hands of every child, distributing over 4.7 million books since 2016. Our current space limits our ability to grow, so we’re launching a $2 million campaign to fund a new facility.
This move will increase safety, boost capacity, and strengthen community engagement, allowing us to distribute even more books and promote literacy across Greater Cleveland. Join us in shaping the future of reading for our children!
The Next Chapter
Our current warehouse is holding us back from achieving even greater impact. In 2024, we distributed more than 540,000 books and hosted more than 3,400 volunteers. Demand for volunteer shifts and for books outpaces what we can currently achieve in our space. We have an opportunity to purchase a larger, modern facility that will enable transformative growth in every area of our operations:
- Increased Book Distribution: With expanded capacity, we can distribute 50-75% more books to children across our community and inspire reading in the home.
- Expanded Volunteer Engagement: A larger space will allow us to increase volunteer opportunities by up to 75%, so that we can meet the book distribution needs of our partners and our community.
- Enhanced Community Partnerships: A larger space will allow us to deepen existing partnerships and establish new ones, amplifying our shared mission to improve literacy in Greater Cleveland.
current facility
The Campaign
Our current 5,500 sq. ft. warehouse can no longer support the demand for our books. A purchase agreement is in place for a 24,000 sq. ft. facility to exponentially expand our capacity to foster literacy and a love of reading in our children. A $2 million capital campaign is needed to secure and renovate this transformative space for our community.
new facility
Why the Next Chapter Matters to Our Community
Investing in the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank means investing in a future where every child has the tools to succeed. A book in the hands of a child is more than pages and words—it’s an opportunity for a brighter future.
Together, we can break barriers to literacy, strengthen our community, and create lifelong learners.
Contact: Natalie Friedl, Executive Director, natalie@kidsbookbank.org or 440-840-4857
Next Chapter Leaders – $25,000+
Bonnie Hagerman
Higley Major Gifts Fund at The Cleveland Foundation
Bob and Susan Immerman
Debbie and Steve Joseph
Judi and Steve Kovach
William M. Weiss Foundation
Literacy Champions – $5,000+
Kate Bishop
Joe and Sue Corsaro
Karen Eagle
Deena and Dick Epstein
Betsy Figgie
Lee and Peter Haas
Jan Hammond and Ed Hemmelgarn
Becca and Neal Huntington
John J. and Frances E. Dwyer Fund, Cleveland Foundation
Ellen Mattingly and Rick Knapp
Payne Family Giving Fund
Marlon Primes and Kathi-Howard Primes
Anonymous
Golden Book Society – $1,000+
Annie Ertle
Sarah Iammarino
Kevin and Alison Pulte
PwC
Nick and Emily Schappacher
Amanda Schaub
Terry and Jamie Stoller
Deborah Wilcox
Friends of Kids’ Book Bank – up to $999
Brandie and Brian Adams
Constance Alexander and Antonio Bohanon, in memory of Apollo
Betsy Allen
Corey Brady
Michael Bramson
Robert Brown
Carfagna Family-Magis Foundation
Joy and Gregory Coleman
Christine Eadie
Quartez Harris
Krystle Hayes
Kevin and LuAnn Hinkel
Lisa and Joshua Mayers
Bianka Moore
Mitchell Joseph
Jacqueline Lamb
Stephanie Palmer
Laura Paszt
Tara Pesta
Teresa Podracky
Terrence and Carole Rounds
Andrew Smith
Katherine Wenham
Hyla Winston
West Park United Church of Christ
FAQs
Why does the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank need a new home?
Safety Concerns
Our leased 5,500-square-foot warehouse presents significant safety challenges for staff, volunteers, and inventory. Incidents such as vehicle theft, stolen inventory, unwelcome visitors, and physical hazards highlight the need for a secure facility.
Limited Capacity
The current space restricts our growing operations, requiring off-site storage and limiting volunteer shifts and output. A larger facility will enable us to scale operations, improve inventory management, and expand collaboration with literacy partners.
Operational Inefficiency
Without dedicated office space, staff productivity suffers from distractions caused by volunteer activities. The lack of private meeting areas also hampers donor engagement and strategic planning.
Facility Challenges
Issues like a leaking roof, a faulty intercom system, and inconsistent temperature control have disrupted operations, including the cancellation of volunteer shifts.
Why did the board decide to buy rather than lease?
Long-Term Cost Savings
While buying a building requires significant upfront investment, it is more cost-effective over time. With a $2M capital campaign, CKBB will avoid mortgage or lease payments. Leasing a facility of the required size would strain operational budgets, as philanthropic and seasonal fundraising levels are unpredictable. A feasibility study confirmed donor and foundation support
for a capital investment over increased ongoing lease costs.
Special Accommodations
After reviewing over 20 properties, we chose a facility that meets our size, safety, parking, and logistical needs. Ownership ensures stability in expenses, avoids unnecessary property taxes, and provides a lasting legacy opportunity for donors.
Asset and Equity Building
Owning the building allows CKBB to build equity, creating a valuable asset for long-term stability and growth.
Control Over Space and Modifications
Ownership allows for customized renovations to better suit our mission, such as shelving, loading docks, and storage for vehicles and machinery. Our operations require a facility capable of managing over 50,000 books monthly, while also providing a safe, accessible environment for hundreds of volunteers.
Community Roots
This investment symbolizes our long-term commitment to Cleveland, resonating with stakeholders and donors who see CKBB as a vital, rooted asset in education and literacy.
How will the new location impact operations and volunteer access?
Although we value our current MidTown location, our stakeholders prioritized a facility that accommodates growing operations and offers a safe, comfortable environment. The new location, accessible from two highways, best meets these needs.
Our free delivery model and neighborhood-based strategy ensure continued service to all focus neighborhoods in Greater Cleveland, regardless of the location.
How will the $2M capital campaign work?
The campaign features 100% board participation, strong leadership and transparent, regular communication. We are asking Cleveland, the most philanthropic city in the country, to support a modest, one-time $2M capital campaign to secure a permanent home for literacy in our community.
What is the timeline?
Our board is committed to completing this project without financing. The goal is to raise $1.6M within 60 days, followed by additional efforts to meet the full $2M campaign goal.
Are there naming opportunities?
Each naming opportunity ensures a lasting legacy, enriching the lives of Cleveland’s children by giving them the gift of reading for years to come.
Building: $750,000+
Lobby/Foyer: $500,000+
Volunteer Activity Center: $500,000+
Warehouse: $250,000+
Volunteer Lounge: $100,000+
Conference Room: $100,000+
Make Your Space (Book Nook, Comfy Corner, Volunteer Stations, etc.): $75,000
Reading Level Sponsor / Bookcase (multiple): $50,000
Bookshelves / Row (multiple): $25,000
Literacy Champions Gifts of $5,000 or more will receive special recognition.
All gifts are deeply valued, warmly welcomed, and thoughtfully acknowledged.
How can I help?
Be part of something transformative! Your gift to the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank will ensure every child in Greater Cleveland has access to books at home. Together, we can foster a love of reading that will inspire generations to come.
What's different about the new building?
