WHY SHOULD WORD VANCOUVER MATTER TO YOU

OUR IMPACT

For thirty years, Word Vancouver has delivered FREE engaging, poignant, entertaining and diverse programming in a multi-day festival in the heart of our city. The festival provides opportunities for literature lovers of all ages to meet and learn from authors and industry professionals with incredible stories to share, issues to raise, and skills to teach. In short: the best BC has to offer, all for free.

Burgeoning writers are connected to writing programs, manuscript consults, pitching and editing workshops. Local publishers mingle with readers and industry colleagues in the exhibitor market. Authors share their works with a captivated audience, answer questions, and sign their books - sometimes for the first time!

This is just a small sampling of what we do and how we impact our community.

OUR NEED

In keeping with our values of transparency and community, we are writing to share that Word Vancouver’s financial health has been significantly impacted due to a loss of public grants and sponsorships, and rising operational costs. This struggle is certainly not unique to us, as arts programs across the province are all vying for a decreasing pool of accessible funds in an economically challenging time.

We went into this year with an operating budget reduced by about $35,000 compared to the previous year, making cuts to our (already very small) staff, and reducing our production and programming expenses by half. Compared to last year, public funds are down $22,000, funds through sponsorships and foundations down $19,000, and earned revenue (ad sales and exhibitor fees) decreased by $2,500. On the other hand, we are delighted to share that individual donations (to date) increased by $3,800, and our fundraising revenue is up by $7,000!

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have come up short by $25,000 and will need to address this need by the end of November.

OUR ASK

We are reaching out to our community and beyond to help us keep Word Vancouver ALIVE and FREE. We are asking you to become a supporter of Word Vancouver and make a difference to the literary and artistic landscape in BC. If just 100 people donate $250 we can reach our goal. Each donation of $20 or more receives a tax receipt, and $5 or $10 can directly support our need. Every donation counts. To everyone who has contributed this year, we are so grateful.

And don’t forget the impact your words have on others. Please share how Word Vancouver has impacted your life and encourage others to contribute. Your words and stories are vital to us - let us know why Word matters to you, and we’ll share your voice with our community. Together, we can continue this important work!

With thanks,

Dr. Bonnie Nish, Executive Director Word Vancouver
The Board of Directors of Word Vancouver