irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $30KICKASS WRITING FESTIVAL
- #2 $3KHOWL STORY SLAM WORK SHOP
named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
Anne LaBastille Women’s Writers Retreat
Women-focused writing retreat held at Great Camp Sagamore, fostering creative development and community
HS Writing Retreat
High school-focused writing retreat featuring teaching artists and creative development activities
Howl Story Slam Workshop
Interactive workshop preparing participants for storytelling slams and performance events
Kickass Writing Festival
Annual festival celebrating writing and storytelling with readings, workshops, and community events
Online Writing Program
Virtual workshops and classes for writers of all ages led by professional authors and educators
Writers Workshop
Local in-person writing groups meeting regularly in communities across the Adirondack region
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Literary Events & Workshops 3 activities
- Hosts public readings, open mics, and author eventsOrganizes regular public events including readings, open mic sessions where participants share up to 5 minutes of writing, and public conversations with prominent authors and journalists.
- Hosts writing workshops and educational programsOrganizes and conducts writing workshops, including the Howl Story Slam Workshop and general Writers Workshops, for participants of various ages. Operated an online writing program in 2023.
- Organizes literary festivals and public eventsHosts and organizes major literary events such as the Kickass Writing Festival and the Kathleen Fagan Adirondack Writer Series, including co-hosted public events with readings and book signings.
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Public Access to Digital and Physical Library Collections 1 activity
- Provides open access to writing and reading spaceOffers a physical location in Saranac Lake, NY, with open hours Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM for writing and reading, supporting community engagement with literary arts.
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Youth-Led Student Publications 1 activity
- Supports teen writing and literary developmentProvides dedicated writing activities and space for teenagers, including a literary camp where participants create, design, and produce a literary journal, and opportunities to sell copies at public events like the Saranac Lake Art Walk.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Hosts live story slam eventsProduces the Howl Story Slam, now in its tenth season, featuring live storytelling events where participants share true stories under five minutes, judged by audience members, with winners advancing to an annual Grand Slam.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$277K
Contributions & grants$196K71%
Program service revenue$78K28%
Investment income$2K1%
Other revenue$827
expenses
Total expenses$277K
Program expenses15%
Admin / overhead84%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$149K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$230K
Cash$82K
Investments$57K
Liabilities$105K
Net assets$125K
Liquid reserves6.0 mo
4 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -29.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 5
- DOROTHY FEDERMAN — BOARD MEMBER
- DOUG DENEEN — BOARD MEMBER
- JULIE HAY — BOARD MEMBER
- PATRICE KEET — BOARD MEMBER
- SUNITA HALASZ — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 29
Who they work with
- Adam Falkner Partner — Teaching artist who has led HS Writing Retreat and online classes.
- Adirondack Park Government — Operates within and draws cultural and natural inspiration from the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park.
- Aram Mrjoian Partner — Teaching artist who has led online classes.
- Bethany Adams Partner — Featured author and speaker at an Adirondack Center for Writing event.
- Caroline Rothstein Partner — Teaching artist who has led online workshops.
- DeMisty D. Bellinger Partner — Teaching artist who has led online classes.
- Devin Kelly Partner — Teaching artist who has led online classes.
- Elaine Handley Partner — Teaching artist who has led Legacy Writing programs.
- Eleanor Randolph Partner — Participating journalist in a public conversation event hosted by the Adirondack Center for Writing.
- Facebook Partner — Social media presence on Facebook
- Felicia Cade Partner — Teaching artist who has led HS Writing Retreat.
- Instagram Partner — Social media presence on Instagram
- Jive Poetic Partner — Teaching artist who has led HS Retreat, performances, and online workshops.
- Jose Hernandez Diaz Partner — Teaching artist who has led online classes.
- José Olivarez Partner — Teaching artist who has led HS Retreat, performances, and online workshops.
- Karl Michael Iglesias Partner — Teaching artist who has led HS Writing Retreat.
- Mahogany L. Browne Partner — Teaching artist who has led HS Writing Retreat and online classes.
- Moriah Hampton Partner — Teaching artist who has led online classes.
- Nicole Helget Partner — Teaching artist who has led online classes.
- North Country Public Radio Partner — Co-organizes the Howl Story Slam with Adirondack Center for Writing.
- North Country Public Radio Partner — Co-presents the Howl Story Slam with Adirondack Center for Writing.
- Peter Pringle Partner — Participating journalist in a public conversation event hosted by the Adirondack Center for Writing.
- Rebecca Donnelly Partner — Children's author and NYSCA 2026 grantee who co-leads the Teen Lit Camp.
- Roya Marsh Partner — Teaching artist who has led HS Writing Retreat.
- Sandra Weber Partner — Author and regional historian who participates in public events hosted by the organization.
- Shira Dentz Partner — Teaching artist who has led online classes.
- The Adirondack Folk School Partner — Co-hosted the Kathleen Fagan Adirondack Writer Series event featuring crime writers.
- Tom Curley Partner — Participating journalist in a public conversation event hosted by the Adirondack Center for Writing.
- YouTube Partner — Social media presence on YouTube
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Collaborative Literary Programmingmethodology: collaborative-partnershipBy partnering with schools, cultural institutions, and local organizations, we expand access to writing and storytelling opportunities, because shared infrastructure and trust increase reach and sustainability of literary engagement.
- Community-Engaged Storytellingmethodology: community-engaged_storytellingBy centering live, personal storytelling events and open mic platforms, we build community connection and collective understanding, because shared narratives foster empathy, belonging, and civic engagement across diverse backgrounds.
- Culturally Grounded Literary Engagementmethodology: cultural-place-based-engagementBy integrating regional history, culture, and place into writing and storytelling programs, we deepen relevance and participation, because locally rooted narratives increase personal investment and community ownership of literary arts.
- Teaching Artist-Led Empowermentmethodology: teaching_artist_modelBy engaging professional writers as teaching artists, we develop authentic youth and community voices through mentorship, because learning directly from practicing creatives strengthens skill development, self-expression, and long-term engagement in writing.