2020/21 ANNUAL
HIGHLIGHTS Established in 1975 and in service to the Western New York community for more than 45 years, Just Buffalo Literary Center’s programming— including the BABEL author series and Writing Center for teens—is ranked among the best in the nation and provides direct benefit to more than 150,000 people each year. Based in Buffalo, NY, the organization is committed to the region’s underserved communities and centering racial equity and justice in its programming as the region’s largest literary arts center.
REACH 192,200 21,400 5,668
CELEBRATING
the legacy of prominent Black writers who have called Buffalo home, whose voices shape history, inspire radical change, and influence current and future generations
DRAWING INSPIRATION
from Buffalo’s history as a gateway to freedom along the Underground Railroad
CHALLENGING
our community to grapple with racism and inequities through literature, to find pathways to a more equitable future
through literary articles, information & news
2021 Project included the BABEL virtual appearance of Ta-Nehisi Coates, and participation totaled:
through website, e-newsletter & social media
adults through readings, presentations & publications including BABEL
1,010
youth at the Writing Center from 36 different schools
350
collaborating partners including businesses, community-based nonprofits, funders, media, schools & all levels of government
220,438
Total reach through all programs and activities
2,700 ADULTS 445 STUDENTS 100 WRITERS & ARTISTS 18+ PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS Hope Blooms From Shattered Roots was presented by Just Buffalo Writing Center in connection with the Civil Writes Project. The digital collection featured work by young writers and artists living in WNY. Just as the journey towards justice must be a collective effort, this collection featured collaborations between young artists and activists from a variety of organizations and projects around the city, and beyond.
BABEL
THE SILO CITY READING SERIES Brought the return of in-person poetry events, each a once-in-a-lifetime night under the stars at the historic grain silos.
Continued bringing the world’s greatest writers to Buffalo, adding new virtual capacity to reach audiences at home and around the world.
CREELEY SOCIETY
$160,778
One new member joined our Creeley Society, named in honor of renowned poet Robert Creeley and supporting Just Buffalo’s work into the future: “With my bequest, I would especially like to support the work you do with youth poets,” she said. To join, simply name Just Buffalo literary Center as a beneficiary in your will, retirement or estate plans— and let us know so we can thank you.
Dollars paid out in direct support of writers, artists, graphic designers, videographers, photographers and other independent workers & in regrants to literary organizations.
INCOME & EXPENSES: 2020/21 OVERVIEW Just Buffalo 990s are available for review at guidestar.org
INCOME $828,054
EXPENSES $763,262
7%
Literary Programming including BABEL
Earned Revenue Individuals & other
29% 46%
Foundations
Public/Govt grants
Total Income
25%
18%
100%
8%
55%
Writing Center Education Programming
Fundraising
12%
Administrative
Total Expenses
100%
NET INCOME $64,792 Just Buffalo is fiscally healthy, carefully balancing income and expenses to achieve break-even operating budgets. In FY21, COVID reduced overall revenue by over $150,000. A PPP Loan and strong support from individuals, foundations and public grants helped the organization stay in financial balance. Revenue surplus reflects restricted grant funding for activities in the coming year.
2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elizabeth Pascal, President Pauline Muto, Vice-President Thomas Hewner, Treasurer Sandra Block, Secretary Michael Angelucci James Bachwitz Paul A. Battaglia Melissa (Missy) Baumgart Kanika Durland Mary Farallo Collin Gehl Geraldine Grossman Janet Kaye Steve Peraza Maria Scrivani
CONTACT
468 Washington St. #2 Buffalo, NY 14203 716.832.5400 / justbuffalo.org
@justbuffalolit
We believe in the love of reading, the art of writing & the power of the literary arts to transform individual lives and communities. We invite you to join us in the year ahead.