International Book Project, Inc. General Information Contact Information Nonprofit International Book Project, Inc. Address 1440 Delaware Lexington, KY 40505 4097 Phone (859) 2546771 Fax 859 2532293 Email lisa@intlbookproject.org Contact Name Lisa Fryman Web and Social Media Website Facebook Twitter Website Facebook Twitter At A Glance IRS Ruling Year 1967 1
Other ways to donate, support, or volunteer Visit our website to learn more, mail a check, call our office to donate by phone (859-254-6771), donate your gently used books at our warehouse, give in-kind donations such as office supplies (full list on our website), or volunteer by contacting Charla Hamilton at charla@intlbookproject.org 2
Statements & Search Criteria Statements Mission Statement International Book Project collects, sorts, and ships donated books in response to requests from around the world. Our vision is to promote literacy in underserved areas of the world, both domestic and abroad. Our core values include: Literacy empowers individuals and provides opportunity; everyone deserves access to books; worthy books deserve a second life. International Book Project believes in building relationships with local and global organizations to fulfill its mission and is committed to building a grassroots donor base to achieve its funding. Background Statement IBP was started in 1966 by Harriet Van Meter. When Mrs. Van Meter visited India in 1965, she found long lines of people waiting not for food, but for books. She was so moved by her experience that upon returning home, she placed an advertisement offering to send books to those in need in an English-speaking newspaper in India. She received a phenomenal response and started sending books from her basement. You can learn more about IBP's history by watching our video, The Power of One. In the 45 years since IBP began, the organization has not only grown, but also stayed true to its grassroots beginnings. We still send individually crafted small shipments of a few dozen books to small organizations. In the 1990s, IBP began sending sea containers of 20,000 books to organizations with the infrastructure and capacity to handle a large shipment of books. In 2007, IBP started a new program to keep Harriet's legacy of culture-to-culture, pen-pal friendships alive called Books as Bridges. Books as Bridges (BAB) partners classrooms in Central Kentucky with recipient classrooms in the developing world in order to exchange letters, artwork, and culture. To learn more about Books as Bridges, please click here. About Our Founder: Harriet Van Meter Born in 1910, Mrs. Harriet Van Meter had already accomplished a lifetime's work of social benefit to her community before she founded the International Book Project in 1966. Mrs. Van Meter was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1986 for her efforts to increase world literacy and placed among the eight final nominees. She also received national recognition, such as the 1989 Kiwanis World Service Medal, as well as many regional service awards. In 1992, the International Book Project was chosen as one of twenty (out of 400 organizations) to be recognized as a "Partner for Peace" by President George Bush and former Peace Corps Director Elaine Chao for its support of the U.S. Peace Corps Program. After her death in 1997, Mrs. Van Meter was honored by admission to the permanent "Kentucky Women Remembered" Exhibit. The documentary Harriet Van Meter: A Life Extraordinary was produced in 2006 to celebrate her life and achievements. 3
Impact Statement Calendar year 2016 marked International Book Project's 50 anniversary. In honor of this milestone, we shipped a record 407,355 books to more than 60 countries throughout the world. This is the highest number of books shipped in one year in International Book Project history. In 2017, International Book Project will undertake a major renovation of its warehouse and offices to improve its operations, shipping efficiency, and donation capacity to continue to serve more than 300,000 people each year throughout the developing world and in ares of need in the US. Through partners associated with a wide range of organizations including schools, libraries, Peace Corps Volunteers, orphanages, churches, and youth programs, IBP works directly with communities to provide books that are requested by students, teachers, and educational administrators. By working at the local level, IBP empowers communities. Recipients invest in their own future to provide educational resources in their community by giving time, money, and commitment. Once their shipment is received, community members develop a sense of pride and ownership of the books, and a culture of life-long learning is created. IBP's Books as Bridges program increases cross-cultural awareness for 1,500 Central Kentucky students through pen-pal relationships with partner classrooms in the developing world. Students learn about the developing world by exchanging letters, participating in cultural literacy lessons, and completing service-learning projects. In the coming year, IBP plans to: Increase its shipping and donor capacity by undertaking a major renovation of its warehouse and offices Work with long-standing partners to provide shipments of books to organizations in underserved areas around the world. Partner with Fayette County literacy and education organizations on an international literacy designation for Lexington, KY Improve the quality of communication between partner classrooms in our Books as Bridges program by encouraging by focusing on the program's cultural literacy and service learning components. Continue to develop IBP's relationships with local partners such as Habitat for Humanity, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, the Lexington Fayette County Urban County Government Family Care Centers, and others to promote literacy locally and provide home libraries for at-risk families in Kentucky. Needs Statement The International Book Project's biggest needs include: General operating funds to support International Book Project's mission of collecting, sorting, and shipping donated books in response to requests from around the world. Major gifts of $1,000 or more to sponsor pallet shipments to underserved areas abroad. Gifts to pay for shipping expenses to provide books to remote areas overseas - each small shipment of 50-100 books costs approximately $200. Donations of children's books which are appropriate for children's libraries at home and abroad. Financial assistance for the renovation and maintenance of the International Book Project warehouse. Donations of textbooks for university libraries in Kosovo and other countries abroad. Volunteers who are willing and able to sort and pack books. Donations of water and snack items to support large groups of volunteers who give their time to International Book Project. Planned gifts to support the International Book Project Endowment to fund ongoing access to books for the world's population. 4
CEO/Executive Director Statement As we move in to 2017, I am more proud than ever to be such a big part of the International Book Project and its mission. With a staff and supporters who are committed to literacy and educational empowerment, the momentum has never been stronger. The energy is evident in our daily work. On any given day at our warehouse, there is bound to be something exciting going on - receiving and sorting book donations, packing shipments for our partners, working with groups of volunteers from local schools or civic organizations, or even organizing Lexington's best book sale! Hosting these activities you will find the dedicated members of IBP's staff who are committed to promoting literacy around the world, and whose care and enthusiasm radiates with the quality of work performed. At the heart of all of this lies our donors and supporters. You keep the books flowing, and you allow us to accomplish lofty goals. As stewards of your donor dollars, we are aware that each gift is a precious resource that must be used to the fullest potential. IBP operates on a very lean budget and seeks to develop partnerships that improve performance so that each dollar makes the impact that you intended. Even as we move into an era of mobile learning and electronic books, the principles and goals set forth by Mrs. VanMeter in 1966 still stand: global peace is possible through learning and cooperation, and together, we really can make a big difference. Service Categories Primary Organization Category International, Foreign Affairs, and National Security / International Development Secondary Organization Category Arts,Culture & Humanities / Arts & Culture Tertiary Organization Category Education / Alliances & Advocacy Geographic Areas Served Areas Fayette County Anderson County Jessamine County Clark County Bourbon County Madison County Woodford West Virginia Kentucky Whitley County International Scott County 5
The International Book Project provides books to developing countries around the world and areas of need within the United States. Due to our physical proximity to the Appalachian Region, we concentrate our U.S. book donations in Eastern Kentucky and Western West Virginia. Books as Bridges, our international pen-pal and service learning program, is currently active in classrooms throughout seven Central Kentucky counties. 6
Programs Programs Book Donations Description The International Book Project provides quality books to schools, libraries, and various nonprofit organizations around the world. IBP's partners are committed to empowering their communities and are involved throughout the donation process. Budget 200,000 Partners receive several shipment sizes: - small shipments: approximately 40 pounds, serves a small school or library. - pallet shipments: approximately 1250 pounds, serves a medium to large school or library with 800-1500 books. - sea container: serves a university or a school district, approximately 40,000 pounds, and 10,000-40,000 books. Category Population Served Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By International, Foreign Affairs & National Security, General/Other International Development Poor,Economically Disadvantaged,Indigent, K-12 (5-19 years), US& International Because our partners span the globe and often operate in challenging economic conditions, it is difficult to track specific progress. However, all of our book recipient partners will have greater access to books and educational materials in the short term. The goal of the International Book Project is that by providing books to schools, libraries, and not-for-profit organizations, we will improve literacy rates and educational effectiveness within our partner schools or communities. Each of our overseas partners must return a short survey following the receipt of their books that outlines how the books were used, which books were most useful to their community, and how the books will improve their community. 7
Books as Bridges Description Books as Bridges is a pen-pal program offered through the International Book Project that connects local classrooms with students who receive book shipments from IBP. Participants in Kentucky learn about new cultures and are introduced to life in a developing country through in-class Cultural Literacy Lessons and by sharing letters and packages with their pen-pals. Students are also encouraged to develop a service learning project that benefits their overseas partner. Budget 37,000 Category Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Cultural & Ethnic Awareness Population Served K-12 (5-19 years),, Program Short Term Success Books as Bridges teachers are invited to schedule Cultural Literacy Lessons in the middle of the school year. Before this lesson, students are asked to identify their partner country on an outline map of its continent. 85% of students not able to identify their partner country the first time should be able to on the exit slip following the lesson. By the end of the 2010/2011 school year, at least 75% of Books as Bridges students will be able to identify meaningful relations from their own culture to that of their pen-pals, specifically related natural resources, food, music and entertainment, and historical influences. At least 35% of students participating in the program will have completed a service learning project benefiting their pen-pals by the end of the 2010-2011 school year. These projects can include awareness campaigns, book collections, or supply drives. Ultimately, however, the project and its impact is a product of the the students' efforts. Program Long term Success Books as Bridges will provide U.S. students with real-world experience communicating with and appreciating international cultures, understanding world affairs, and service learning. The international partners will receive educational support in the form of books or other educational materials, experience communicating with new cultures, and awareness of American culture. Program Success Monitored By Books as Bridges success is determined each year through feedback from participating teachers and students. Teachers provide useful insight through completed surveys and interviews with the Books as Bridges Coordinator. Students are encouraged to create presentations to display their projects and discoveries for peers and community members at Books as Bridges year-end celebrations. 8
Examples of Program Success Books as Bridges has grown each year in both quality and quantity of students served. For the 2010/2011 school year, Books as Bridges exceeded two of its three main goals. This included surpassing the goal of students identifying development issues by 18%, and the goal of students being able to identify their partner country on a map by 35%. Books as Bridges hoped to engage 500 students in service learning projects last year, but ended the school year with 238 students involved in a project. Teachers' enthusiasm for the program and related projects increased our expectations, but they unfortunately later found that there was less time than they hoped to spend on additional Books as Bridges projects. To address this concern, Books as Bridges is now working to offer "cookie-cutter" project ideas that fit directly with basic curriculum and need only students' creativity, energy, and goodwill to complete. We hope to find positive results in the 2010/20111 and 2011/2012 school years. Local Donations Description The local donations program promotes literacy domestically by providing book shipments within the United States. Currently, IBP is partnering with Lexington's Habitat for Humanity to provide personal libraries for the families in their new homes, Teach for America's Appalachia program to get resources to teachers, and Whitley County public libraries to distribute books for children to own through their local library's bookmobile. Past projects have included stocking a Teach for America classroom in Atlanta, GA and helping a Girl Scout Ambassador provide books to children in Wayne County, WV among others. Budget $4810 Category Population Served Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Literature US, Children and Youth (0-19 years), Adults Program Comments CEO Comments Shipping expenses are an ongoing challenge for the International Book Project. In recent years, IBP has focused on creating and developing new and existing partnerships to decrease shipping expenses. So far, IBP has unique partnerships which decrease shipping costs and increase volume to partners in the Philippines, Ghana, Panama, and Cameroon. As electronic books become more popular, IBP also faces the challenge of finding quality resources to provide to our overseas partners. As has been laid out in our organization's Strategic Planning Report, IBP will continue to promote literacy and education where it is most needed, and in whatever manner is most efficient. 9
Leadership & Staff CEO/Executive Director Executive Director Term Start May 2015 Email Ms. Lisa Fiedler Fryman lisa@intlbookproject.org Experience Lisa is the incoming Executive Director of the International Book Project. An avid reader since childhood, Lisa believes that literacy opens doors to all worlds of opportunity. South African journalist and librarian Hazel Rochman said, Reading takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere. Books sparked Lisa s interest in international affairs and led to a varied and fulfilling career that has taken her from international management and business development with Fortune 500 companies to raising a family in Kentucky, working as a volunteer and board member for a multitude of philanthropic and charitable projects and managing a congressional campaign. Lisa feels at home anywhere and everywhere, having lived in Lexington, Kentucky and the family farm in Washington, Kentucky for two decades, as well as having lived, traveled and worked throughout Europe, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. A native of Southern California, Lisa holds a B.A. in International Relations from Stanford University and an MBA in Finance from UCLA. Her favorite author is Wallace Stegner, but she has too many favorite books to single out just one! Staff Full Time Staff 2 Part Time Staff 2 Volunteers 300 Contractors 0 Retention Rate 100% Management Reports to Board? Staff Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 0 Asian American/Pacific Islander 0 Caucasian 4 Hispanic/Latino 0 Native American/American Indian 0 Other 0 Staff Demographics - Gender Male 2 Female 2 Unspecified 0 Former CEOs 10
Name Term Kristen Svarczkopf Nov 2013 - May 2015 Tracy Taylor 0-0 Formal Evaluations CEO Formal Evaluation CEO/Executive Formal Evaluation Frequency Senior Management Formal Evaluation Senior Management Formal Evaluation Frequency NonManagement Formal Evaluation Non Management Formal Evaluation Frequency Annually Annually Annually Comments CEO Comments With a very small staff operating on a growing but lean budget, IBP remains committed to collaborations with nonprofits and NGOs around the world in order to make the best use of the scarce resources we are given. IBP relies heavily on the use of volunteers to sort through the thousands of donated books received every month, making sure we are only sending current, relevant information in quality books. State Information 11
Plans & Collaborations Plans & Policies Organization has a Fundraising Plan? Organization has a Strategic Plan? Under Development Years Strategic Plan Considers 3 Date Strategic Plan Adopted Mar 2013 Management Succession Plan? Under Development Organization Policy and Procedures Nondiscrimination Policy Whistleblower Policy Document Destruction Policy Collaborations The International Book Project has worked with the following organizations to provide books around the world: Child Aid Habitat for Humanity Kentucky Refugee Ministries Starting Gate African Children's Libraries Rotary Clubs (worldwide) Habitat for Humanity Peace Corps Volunteers various university volunteer groups Government Licenses Is your organization licensed by the Government? No 12
Board & Governance Board Chair Board Chair Dan Sprague Company Affiliation Council of State Governments (retired, former CEO) Term Jan 2016 to Dec 2017 Email dms1850@aol.com Board Members Name Affiliation Status Will Glasscock Legislative Policy Consultant Voting Susan Ishmael Writer Voting Ashley Lewis Tempur Sealy International Voting Susan Masterman Co-Owner, Portofino and Serafini Restaurants Kristen Perry University of Kentucky Voting Ying Juan Rogers Project Management Consultant Voting Austin Tucker Eakle Current and Co. Voting Adam Wilford Lexmark International Voting Angene Wilson Professor Emeritus, University of KY Voting Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 0 Asian American/Pacific Islander 1 Caucasian 9 Hispanic/Latino 0 Native American/American Indian 0 Other 0 0 Board Demographics - Gender Male 4 Female 6 Unspecified 0 Governance Board Term Lengths 2 Board Term Limits 3 Board Meeting Attendance % 67% Written Board Selection Criteria? No 13
Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Percentage Making Monetary Contributions 100% Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions 12% Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 6 Board Co-Chair Term May 2013 to Dec 2014 Risk Management Provisions Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability Directors and Officers Policy General Property Coverage Commercial General Liability Standing Committees Finance Board Development / Board Orientation Development / Fund Development / Fund Raising / Grant Writing / Major Gifts Building Marketing Community Outreach / Community Relations Nominating Program / Program Planning Additional Board Members and Affiliations Name Ben Allen Kevin Beiting Stephanie Hong Thomas Lett Alicia McCorvey Palmer Gene Vance Affiliation Lawyer Beiting Law Partners for Youth, LFUCG AIA Community Volunteer Comments CEO Comments A note from IBP's previous Board President, Allen Grimes: As a Board member of the International Book Project (IBP), I m particularly interested in the link between literacy and economic development. From my perspective, literacy is the single most important gift that can be given to an individual. Without the ability to read or write, an individual stands almost no chance of succeeding in today s competitive global environment. When literacy rates increase, standards of living increase too. I enjoy working with IBP because its mission of helping spread literacy around the world empowers people and 14
enriches lives. Although IBP is a small organization, its work has ahugeimpact on the lives of people all over the world. In my mind, a library full of books is one of the most effective tools for fighting poverty and fostering economic development both here and abroad. Never underestimate the power of a good book! I hope you will consider supporting IBP as it is a great organization that is doing great things. Other related information: The International Book Project has an active board consisting of 12-18 members in any given year. IBP is also fortunate to have an additional group of supporters in its Advisory Board, a non-voting entity that exists to provide support outside the role of a formal board member. Though not required to attend meetings, advisory members typically do attend and also serve on IBP's Board Committees. 15
Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start Jan 01, 2017 Fiscal Year End Dec 31, 2017 Projected Revenue $385,223.94 Projected Expenses $346,951.54 Endowment Value $896,217.00 Spending Policy N/A Percentage 0% Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Total Revenue $5,971,757 $6,219,337 $4,360,775 Total Expenses $5,927,328 $6,287,677 $4,353,999 Revenue Sources Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Foundation and Corporation -- -- -- Contributions Government Contributions $0 $0 $0 Federal -- -- -- State -- -- -- Local -- -- -- Unspecified -- -- $0 Individual Contributions $5,810,413 $6,086,433 $4,240,727 Indirect Public Support -- -- $0 Earned Revenue $136,793 $101,060 $87,925 Investment Income, Net of Losses $21,062 -- $22,302 Membership Dues -- $24,790 $0 Special Events $3,489 $6,758 $9,821 Revenue In-Kind -- -- $4,048,448 Other -- $296 $0 16
Expense Allocation Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Program Expense $5,848,926 $6,204,389 $4,279,156 Administration Expense $41,951 $44,260 $38,270 Fundraising Expense $36,451 $39,028 $36,573 Payments to Affiliates -- -- -- Total Revenue/Total Expenses 1.01 0.99 1.00 Program Expense/Total Expenses 99% 99% 98% Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue 1% 1% 1% Assets and Liabilities Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Total Assets $1,019,877 $934,476 $1,031,428 Current Assets $40,432 $855,416 $969,599 Long-Term Liabilities -- -- $0 Current Liabilities $213 $5,155 $6,005 Total Net Assets $1,019,664 $929,321 $1,025,423 Short Term Solvency Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities 189.82 165.94 161.47 Long Term Solvency Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets 0% 0% 0% Top Funding Sources Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount -- -- -- Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar -- -- -- Amount Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount -- -- -- Capital Campaign Currently in a Capital Campaign? No Goal $0.00 Dates July 0 to Dec 0 Amount Raised To Date 0 as of Jan 0 Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? State Registration State Registration Comments CEO Comments Recently, the IBP Board revisited International Book Project's vision, mission, and values. It is impressive what IBP, and so many dedicated volunteers and donors, have accomplished in promoting global literacy and vital cultural connections over 50 years. We remain committed to promoting literacy in underserved areas of the world, domestic and abroad. We continue to believe literacy empowers individuals and communities, creating 17
opportunities for social and economic advancement. International Book Project aims to ship a record 350,000 books this year. We have formed a task force to evaluate the efficiency of dated warehouse. We must showcase and publicize our mission in order to increase both the volume and value of donations. These big ambitions present big challenges. New conditions now confront IBP's Board and staff as we ponder the path forward. There are more players in the international literacy movement, and shipping costs and customs complexities have increased. As a small non-profit with 4 staff members and an annual operating budget of $387,000, IBP must focus its mission and limited resources to maximize the impact of its programs. We must grow our donor base and showcase our mission in order to increase both the volume and value of donations. We need to upgrade our facility and operations to maximize our limited resources. The IBP warehouse must be remodeled to become more efficient and safe for staff and volunteers alike. This will take some time and a major fundraising effort to accomplish. We are in the process of analyzing precisely how much it will cost and how to establish a successful capital campaign to complete the renovation. This will take some time and a major fundraising effort to accomplish. Last, we must continue to maintain and build strong partnerships with organizations at home and abroad. The IBP Board has recently added several energetic, talented new members who understand our challenges and are committed to facing them head on. We have an experienced Executive Director who embraces our goals for the next 3-5 years. We are fortunate that our Delaware Avenue location is coming alive with new enterprises which make our warehouse less remote and more valuable. The next several years will be a significant, strategic transition for IBP. We have a rich and resilient history of growing and improving IBP. We have many loyal, devoted volunteers and donors who have helped sustain IBP through difficult times and on whom we count during the critical time ahead. It's an exciting time for IBP, so please join us in making our 50th anniversary a springboard for assuring IBP's continuing ability to assist the literacy needs of our world. 18
Documents Form 990s 990 2016 Form 990 Form 990 990 2013 2012 990 IRS 990 IRS 990 IRS 990 2008-990 IRS 990 2007 Audit Documents Audit 2011 Audited Financial Statements Audited Financial Statements 2009 Audited Financial Statements 2008 Audited Financial Statements 2007 Audited Financial Statements Created 04.29.2018. Copyright 2018 Blue Grass Community Foundation 19