MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS
Mission Statement
The first 5 years impact everything. In fact, 90% of brain development happens by age 5. The literacy and language skills children have at age 3 are the most critical indicator of school readiness, IQ, and academic achievement. In fact, a child’s vocabulary skills at age 3 predict their 3rd grade and even 10th grade reading level. Research shows that early reading experiences, opportunities to build vocabulary, and literacy-rich environments are the best ways to ensure children develop literacy and language skills. These skills are the building blocks for future successful readers. However, in Tucson, 33% of young children live in poverty—2/3 are not read to and do not have books at home. Make Way for Books’ mission is to give ALL children the chance to read and succeed.
Financial Overview — FY 2025
Compared with Peers
FY 2025| Ratio | This org | Peer median | Position (P10 → P90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Program expense ratio
Program expenses / total expenses
· higher is better
|
78.3% | 84.2% |
P10P90
|
Below median |
|
Admin expense ratio
Management and general / total expenses
· lower is better
|
14.6% | 12.9% |
P10P90
|
Below median |
|
Fundraising expense ratio
Fundraising expenses / total expenses
· lower is better
|
7.1% | 0.0% |
P10P90
|
Bottom quarter |
|
Operating reserve
Months of expenses covered by net assets
· higher is better
|
10.7 mo | 9.0 mo |
P10P90
|
Above median |
|
Liabilities to assets
Total liabilities / total assets
· lower is better
|
5.3% | 21.7% |
P10P90
|
Above median |
|
Revenue concentration
Share of revenue from the largest source
· lower is better
|
97.1% | 89.4% |
P10P90
|
Bottom quarter |
|
Revenue growth
Year over year revenue growth
|
7.1% | 5.0% |
P10P90
|
|
|
Expense growth
Year over year expense growth
|
13.7% | 6.1% |
P10P90
|
|
|
Surplus margin
Surplus as a share of revenue
|
5.6% | 3.0% |
P10P90
|
Financial History
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net Assets | Program % | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.7M | $3.5M | $3.1M | 78.3% | 42 |
| 2024 | $3.5M | $3.1M | $2.9M | 79.0% | 37 |
| 2023 | $3.0M | $2.7M | $2.5M | 83.2% | 37 |
| 2022 | $2.7M | $2.3M | N/A | — | 40 |
Donor Reviews
Write a ReviewBe the first to share your experience with this organization.