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ANNUAL REPORT 2025

LETTERS FROM LEADERSHIP

KURT ZWOLFER Executive Director

The Cabin is in the midst of an exciting transformation and while construction is underway, we’ve had to make a few adjustments to keep our programs thriving Those who attended Readings & Conversations and other offsite events may not have noticed much change, but our onsite programs, including summer camps and workshops, looked a little different this year.

We owe tremendous gratitude to our neighborhood partners The Boise Public Library, The Wassmuth Center, Foothills School of Arts and Sciences, The Boise Art Museum, and Boise State University for welcoming us so generously Their support made it possible to continue offering the programs our community loves and to keep Boise’s literary spirit thriving during this transitional year

When renovations conclude in early 2026, The Cabin will reopen its doors to a reimagined space designed to inspire connection, creativity, and conversation With expanded classroom and meeting areas, improved accessibility, and a renewed commitment to our mission, we’re building a home for stories that will serve our community for generations to come.

I can’t wait to welcome you back and show you what’s next.

STROLLO Board President

It’s been another year of remarkable growth and transformation for The Cabin After successfully reaching our ambitious $2 million capital campaign goal, we’re now renovating our iconic building creating dedicated classroom space for writing camps and more functional offices to support our growing team, programs, and community impact

With construction of the reimagined Cabin underway, we now turn our focus toward the future through a new strategic plan.

Our previous plan was forged during the challenges of the pandemic, a period that tested arts organizations everywhere. The Cabin didn’t just endure it emerged stronger. With a renewed commitment to our mission of sharing the stories that build connection, community, and unity in a divided world, we’re poised to thrive in this next chapter as well

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for all you do to sustain and strengthen this vital organization

DANIELLE

2025 FINANCIALS

Readings & Conversations

$229,959

$68,989 REVENUE TOTAL $1,049,246

$195,127

Conversations

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Classroomsand juveniledetention centersserved 17

WRITERS IN THE SCHOOLS (WITS)

Writers in the Schools (WITS) helps students discover the power of their own voices. Working in 3rd–12th grade classrooms and juvenile detention centers across the Treasure Valley, The Cabin’s professional teaching-writers use creative writing to build confidence, empathy, and communication skills that last well beyond the classroom

463

Studentswereinspired towrite,reflect,and sharetheirstories

Teaching-writersguided thenextgenerationof storytellers

SUMMER WRITING CAMPS

Summer Writing Camps spark creativity and confidence, helping young writers see themselves as storytellers. Through fun, weeklong literary adventures across Boise, campers build writing skills, explore new perspectives, and form lasting connections with peers who love stories as much as they do

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

4,800

Community membersengaged throughliveevents

READINGS & CONVERSATIONS

The Cabin’s flagship literary series, Readings & Conversations, brings worldrenowned authors to Boise for evenings of dialogue and discovery. Through live readings and thoughtful discussions, audiences gain a deeper understanding of an author’s craft, ideas, and experiences reminders of how stories connect us across place and perspective.

1,950

Bookssharedtospark continuedreadingand reflection

Readingsandlectures inspiredaudienceswith diversevoicesandideas

THE CABIN PRESENTS

1,700

Studentattendees atR&Cauthor schoolvisits

The Cabin Presents showcases a wide range of literary voices and ideas through onenight-only events, lectures, and creative experiences. From acclaimed novelists and poets to travel writers and thinkers, this series invites the community to explore storytelling in all its forms celebrating curiosity, conversation, and the joy of live literary connection.

Literarytrivianightsengaged thecommunityinplayful, story-drivencompetition

1,550

Attendeesparticipatedinliveevents, strengtheningbondsbetween readers,authors,andideas

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Writerssubmitted theirwork

WRITERS IN THE ATTIC (WITA)

Writers in the Attic, an annual publication and writing competition, celebrates Idaho’s emerging and established writers. Each year, writers respond to a unique theme, creating work that sparks reflection and connection The resulting anthology elevates emerging and established voices alike strengthening Idaho’s vibrant literary community

Individualpieces entered

Piecespublishedin theannualanthology

WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS

Adult writing workshops nurture creativity, confidence, and connection among writers of all experience levels. Led by professional teaching-writers, these sessions provide the space, guidance, and community writers need to grow their craft and share their stories embodying our belief that writing builds understanding across differences

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

BOISE CITY WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE

A collaboration between The Cabin, Boise Department of Arts & History, and Boise Public Library, the Boise City Writer-inResidence program cultivates connection between writers and community. Through readings, workshops, and outreach, resident authors inspire dialogue, reflection, and creativity enriching Boise’s literary and cultural landscape

THE READ FREELY PROJECT

In partnership with Rediscovered Books, The Read Freely Project champions the freedom to read and the power of diverse stories. By distributing books often targeted for censorship, the project connects readers with underrepresented voices and promotes open dialogue affirming our commitment to protecting access to stories that matter

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Campaign goal reached in 2025 $2M

WITH YOUR HELP, WE REACHED OUR $2 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GOAL, AND BUILDING RENOVATIONS ARE UNDERWAY!

Thanks to our community’s generosity, The Cabin is entering a new era as a more welcoming and inspiring literary home. Renovating our historic log cabin to increase usable space from 3,500 to 5,500 square feet creates vibrant gathering areas, outdoor programming spaces, and modern classrooms for readers, writers, and storytellers of every age

This transformation will deepen our impact serving more students, campers, and workshop participants, and giving the community more opportunities to connect, create, and explore the power of story As Idaho’s only literary arts nonprofit, The Cabin will continue to champion the written and spoken word while fostering creativity, empathy, and learning across Boise and beyond