Believe in Books Literacy Foundation

What Believe in Books Literacy Foundation does

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation operating free literacy programs for children from birth through elementary age across Northern New Hampshire and Western Maine. Founded in 1995 with its inaugural Journey to the North Pole event and receiving formal IRS 501(c)(3) status in May 1998, the foundation runs a portfolio of in-person literacy initiatives — Outreach Reading Program (50+ schools, 1,500+ students annually, 6,000+ books gifted per year), Books From Birth (mailing free age-appropriate books to enrolled children at 11 developmental milestones from 3 months to age 5), Bookmobile, Book Spot exchange, Storybook Trail, Book Club, Earth Day events, and an Earth in Action Film Challenge. Programs are delivered free to recipients across Coos, Carroll, and Grafton Counties in NH and Oxford County in ME.

The foundation owns and operates the 100-Acre Wood property in Intervale, NH — a multi-asset campus comprising Theater in the Wood (300-seat indoor theater plus an 800-guest outdoor amphitheater), 10km of multi-use trails, and a Sugar Shack maple sugar house. This physical infrastructure underwrites both program delivery and a diversified revenue model. Operating revenue is generated across six streams: (1) flagship fundraising events including Journey to the North Pole, Kids Fun Run at Story Land, a 10-week Sunset Concert Series, and a Summer Dance Series; (2) charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors; (3) merchandise sales via an e-commerce store (branded apparel and maple syrup products from $5 to $75, with net syrup proceeds directed to literacy programs); (4) annual memberships at $50 Individual / $75 Family tiers with trail passes, rewards cards, and pre-sale event access; (5) venue rentals for weddings and corporate events at Theater in the Wood; and (6) trail day ($10) and week ($25) passes. Headcount is 11–50 and cumulative program-giving has reached $2.5M with 100,000+ books distributed since founding.

The operating model is community-led and volunteer-dependent: classroom reading sessions are staffed by volunteer readers, and corporate/community partnerships (Story Land, Ben & Jerry's North Conway, Berlin City Ford, Chalmers Insurance, Cormack Construction, plus a 2025 weddings-vendor cohort) underwrite both programming and event sponsorship. The foundation maintains an active social media presence across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, plus a weekly vlog series. There is no proprietary technology platform; the digital footprint is a Wix-hosted website with integrated e-commerce, event ticketing, and donation capabilities.

Name

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation

Legal name

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation

Website

https://believeinbooks.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Literacy Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Library, Reading Motivation & Independent Reading Programs (EDAMAJAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Early Literacy & Reading Intervention Programs (EDAGAAAD), Family Literacy (Parent/Child & Intergenerational) (EDAAAAAE), Literature & Book Clubs / Guided Reading Groups (EDAMAJAG), After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC)

Keywords

• Children's literacy programs
• Early childhood literacy
• Community fundraising events
• Children's book distribution
• Outdoor education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Intervale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Fundraising Events: Major fundraising events including Journey to the North Pole train experience (the original event of its kind), Kids Fun Run at Story Land, and Sunset Concert Series. These events generate revenue while promoting literacy mission.
2. Donations and Contributions: Charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors supporting the literacy mission.
3. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling maple syrup products, merchandise (clothing, ornaments, gifts), and day passes. All net proceeds from maple syrup sales support literacy programs.
4. Membership Program: Annual memberships at $50 individual or $75 family/household, including trail passes, rewards cards with discounts, and pre-sale access to Journey to the North Pole tickets.
5. Venue Rental: Theater in the Wood venue available for weddings, corporate events, and private functions. 300-seat indoor theater and outdoor amphitheater accommodating up to 800 guests.
6. Trail Passes: Day passes at $10 per car and weekly passes at $25 for the 10km trail system in the 100-Acre Wood.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free early-childhood and family literacy programs (Outreach Reading, Books From Birth, Bookmobile, Book Club, Storybook Trail) and operates the 100-Acre Wood property in Intervale, NH, which includes the Theater in the Wood venue, a 10km trail system, and a Sugar Shack. Revenue to support these programs comes from donations, charitable contributions, fundraising events (Journey to the North Pole, Kids Fun Run, Sunset Concert Series), memberships, trail/venue fees, and maple syrup and merchandise sales.

Product overview

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit literacy organization offering a portfolio of literacy programs, event experiences, and retail products. Core programs include the Journey to the North Pole holiday train adventure, Kids Fun Run, Sunset Concert Series, Summer Dance Series, Theater in the Wood venue, and Trails in the Wood. Literacy initiatives comprise the Outreach Reading Program serving 50+ schools, Books From Birth mailing free books to enrolled children, Bookmobile mobile distribution, Book Club with monthly discussions, and Earth Day celebrations. The organization also sells 100-Acre Wood Maple Syrup products and branded apparel/merchandise to support fundraising. All literacy programs are offered free of charge.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Journey to the North Pole: A family adventure aboard the magical Journey to the North Pole train to see Santa, his workshop, and elves at the North Pole. Primary fundraising event departing from North Conway and Lincoln, NH during the holiday season.
• Theater in the Wood
• 100-Acre Wood
• BIBLF

Products and services

• Journey to the North Pole A 2.5-hour holiday train adventure from North Conway or Lincoln, NH to the North Pole to visit Santa's Workshop, featuring magical treats, elf performances, and a reading of 'The Night Before Christmas'. Ticket-based event experience for families.
• Kids Fun Run Annual fundraising race held at Story Land theme park where children run through the park and receive free park admission, t-shirts, and medals. $10 per child registration with scholarships available for residents of specific school districts.
• Sunset Concert Series Ten-week outdoor amphitheater concert series running every Friday from late June through August, featuring tribute bands and musical performances. $20 presale, $30 general admission; children under 10 free.
• Summer Dance Series Every-other-Saturday dance instruction series at Theater in the Wood Pavilion featuring merengue, cha-cha, salsa, and combo dance lessons with professional instructors. $20 per ticket includes a free drink; kids under 12 dance free.
• Theater in the Wood Venue Rental A 300-seat indoor theater and outdoor amphitheater venue (up to 800 guests) available for rental for children's events, theatrical performances, concerts, weddings, and corporate events at the 100-Acre Wood in Intervale, NH.
• Trails in the Wood A 10-kilometer family-friendly trail system in the 100-Acre Wood open for walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and maple sugaring. Day passes at $10 per car and weekly passes at $25 per car.
• Outreach Reading Program School visit program that serves 1,500+ students across 50+ schools in NH and Maine, gifting 6,000+ books annually through four visits per year (October, January, March, May), with volunteer readers and a free book for each student to take home. Free of charge to participants.
• Books From Birth Free program that mails age-appropriate books to enrolled children at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 months and 2, 2.5, 3, 4, and 5 years, building personal home libraries from birth. Enrollment occurs automatically via participating North Country hospitals.
• Bookmobile Mobile book distribution service bringing free books to communities throughout the region, with a schedule posted on the website. Free of charge to participants.
• Storybook Trail An outdoor trail at the 100-Acre Wood where families read children's stories page by page from displays along the path, with the book updated every Wednesday. Free with a trail pass.
• Book Club Monthly community reading program with online discussions and in-person celebrations at Theater in the Wood featuring themed potluck dishes, crafts, and costumes.
• Book Spot Take-a-book, leave-a-book exchange station at the 100-Acre Wood entrance kiosk for gently used book donations and selections.
• Books and Ice Cream Summer Reading Program Summer reading program run in partnership with Ben & Jerry's North Conway in which students who read three books earn a free ice cream from Ben & Jerry's.
• Earth Day Event Annual Earth Day celebration featuring a live theatrical performance of Dr. Seuss' 'The Lorax' at Theater in the Wood with photo opportunities and outdoor activities.
• Earth in Action Film Challenge Annual film competition inviting participants of all ages to create 10-minute films about environmental action and solutions, with prizes for top submissions.
• Scholarship Program Annual educational scholarships rewarding volunteers with 50+ hours of service with reimbursement for books, supplies, and educational software.
• Trail Memberships Annual membership tiers: Individual at $50/year and Family/Household at $75/year. Includes annual trail pass(es), Rewards Card worth $100s in discounts on dining/shopping, and pre-sale access to Journey to the North Pole tickets.
• 100-Acre Wood Maple Syrup Pure maple syrup in various containers ranging from 3.4 oz ($5) to 1 gallon ($75), in plastic jugs and glass jugs, moose, and leaf novelty shapes. Net proceeds support literacy programs.
• Apparel and Merchandise Branded merchandise including sweatshirts, Polar Express t-shirts, fleece jackets, fleece vests, scarves, neck gaiters, satchels, drinkware, and ornaments.

Quantifiable outcome

• $2.5 million gifted through literacy programs, scholarships, grants, and book distributions
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• Story LandflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Kids Fun Run fundraiser held at Story Land theme park. Foundation receives event proceeds while Story Land provides venue and free park admission for race participants. This is the foundation's largest community fundraising event with 12+ years of history.
• Ben & Jerry's North ConwayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Books & Ice Cream summer reading program. Students who read three books earn a free ice cream from Ben & Jerry's, providing incentive for summer reading and cross-promotional visibility.
• Meraki Salon and SpaminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 supporter of the weddings venue at Theater in the Wood. Listed as part of the supporter recognition program.
• Brian Coffey CateringminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 supporter listed for weddings venue. Catering partner for events at Theater in the Wood.
• Dutch BWminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 supporter for weddings venue at Theater in the Wood.
• Chalet CaterersminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 supporter for weddings venue at Theater in the Wood.
• Jean the JPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWedding officiant listed as 2025 supporter for weddings at Theater in the Wood.
• The Sugarmaker BakeryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as 2025 supporter for weddings at Theater in the Wood.
• NH Music RoadminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 supporter listed for weddings venue at Theater in the Wood.
• Sunset Concert Series SponsorscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTop level supporter: Berlin City Ford. Third level supporters: Chalmers Insurance Group, Cormack Construction Management. Concert series runs 10 weeks annually, June-August, with sponsorship providing promotional visibility and community engagement.
• Gaynor Heating and CoolingminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 major sponsor of Kids Fun Run at Story Land.
• Dairy Queen Glen NHminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 major sponsor of Kids Fun Run at Story Land.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Reach Out and Read: National nonprofit that partners with pediatricians to give books to children at well-child visits. Operates a similar literacy-promotion-via-medical-channel model to Believe in Books' hospital partnership.
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: National nonprofit mailing free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 5. Books From Birth is a direct functional equivalent, and both compete for the same donor and grant mindshare in early-childhood literacy.
• Reading Is Fundamental (RIF): Largest US children's literacy nonprofit, distributing free books and literacy resources through schools and community programs. Closely comparable mission and book-distribution model, with much broader geographic reach.
• Raising A Reader: National early-literacy nonprofit that partners with libraries, schools, and community organizations to promote shared reading and home library-building. Similar mission and parent-engagement focus.
• First Book: Nonprofit providing new books and educational resources to children from low-income families. Comparable book-gifting mission and school-channel distribution model.

Emerging players

• Parent-Child Home Program: Early-literacy nonprofit that pairs families with home visitors to promote school readiness. Operates a similar early-childhood literacy model with a different delivery mechanism (home visits vs. hospital mailings).

Broad incumbents

• Polar Express (Warner Bros. consumer experience): Licensor of the official Polar Express Train Ride events nationwide. The foundation's Journey to the North Pole predates the official Warner Bros. events and competes in the same holiday-train-experience category.
• Room to Read: Large international nonprofit focused on literacy and gender equality in education. Overlapping literacy mission at much greater scale and global scope, often competing for foundation grants.

Others

• United Way of Northern New England: Regional nonprofit funder and coalition builder operating in the same Northern New England geography. Both organizations compete for overlapping local donor and corporate sponsorships.

Regional players

• BookSpring (Austin, TX): Regional literacy nonprofit distributing free books to children through schools, clinics, and community partners. Comparable community-based book-gifting model but serving a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@PolarExpress01
• Facebookfacebook.com/BelieveinBooks
• Instagraminstagram.com/believeinbooksliteracy
• TikToktiktok.com/@biblfoundation?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/believe-in-books-literacy-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Believe in Books Literacy Foundation