For years, Red Dog Books has been more than just a nonprofit. We are a lifeline. We are books in the hands of children who can’t afford them. We are care packages in the arms of those who feel forgotten. We are job-skills training, new opportunities, and second chances. And this year alone, we have donated 120,000 books to churches, schools, libraries, teachers, and nonprofits across Indianapolis.

But now... we are reaching a tipping point. We have moved several times in the past year. Our final lease is ending. We have no more wiggle room. The uncertainty is weighing heavily. If we don’t secure a permanent building, we will spend every hour scrambling for space instead of serving our community.

So today, we’re laying it all out—and asking for your help.

Your donation will go toward:

1. Purchasing a building so Red Dog Books can finally have a stable home

2. Moving costs, renovations, utilities, and storage

3. Scholarships and micro-grants for students and community members who want to improve their lives

4. Continued outreach—books, hygiene kits, care packages, blessing bags

5. Animal shelter support—beds, blankets, enrichment supplies, and essentials for homeless animals

And most importantly: once we have a secure base, we will create a grant program to help at least one person move off the streets and into a safe home.

Why this matters right now

Without a permanent headquarters, we are always at risk of being displaced again—losing inventory, relationships, momentum

People in crisis don’t wait. The families and individuals we serve have urgent needs—hygiene, food, dignity

Our volunteers—many facing their own challenges—deserve a place to build skills and find purpose

What we’ve already done

Over 120,000 books donated in the past year

Distributed blessing bags and care packages filled with essentials like toothpaste, deodorant, wipes, pads, clean socks, blankets, and more

Donated items to animal shelters: dog beds, leashes, blankets, and enrichment supplies

During our back-to-school event: 50+ school supply bags, 30 blessing bags, over 170 hotdogs + water + chips given to families

We run job skills training, personal mentorship, and programs where volunteers can grow, contribute, and feel valued

What we need from you

No gift is too small. $5, $20, $100—all of it counts.

But we need to reach a goal big enough to lock in security for our mission.

Please consider donating today—and sharing our campaign with your family, friends, churches, and coworkers.

We ask you: Be the difference. Help us build a home so we can finally stop surviving—and start thriving in service of others.

With gratitude and faith,

The Red Dog Books Team