The Book Industry Charitable Foundation has launched its second annual Campaign to Sustain. Binc reported that last year, 49 contributors pledged to become monthly sustaining donors and this "ongoing funding has ensured that bookseller assistance programs such as serious medical expenses, domestic violence, homelessness prevention and funeral expenses will continue to be provided by the foundation."
To celebrate the organization's 20th anniversary this year, Binc has set the goal of adding another 50 sustaining donors during the month of May. "To mark this milestone we are asking new and current supporters to take our 20 for 20 challenge," said executive director Pam French. "If you are not a sustaining donor. start at $20 a month. If you are a donor, bump your donation up to $20 or add $20 for this year. By becoming a sustaining donor, you are ensuring the safety net is available when a bookseller is in need."
Thus far in 2016, nine booksellers have received grants for situations ranging from loss of income due to disability to disaster assistance after a house fire to homelessness prevention, Binc said, adding that last year it was able to assist 28 booksellers and their families with more than $54,000 in financial assistance. Binc's scholarship program provided higher education scholarships to 53 booksellers or their family members totaling $200,000 in educational assistance.