FOLD: A Decade of Impact

A DECADE OF IMPAC T: TH E FI R S T TE N Y E A R S

In 2014, the idea for the Festival of Literary Diversity launched with

CONTENTS

a simple but powerful belief: that Canadian literature is strongest

About Page 7

when it reflects a full range of voices, stories, and lived experiences.

Ecosystem Pages 8–11

What started as a single festival in 2016 has grown into multi-faceted

Initiatives Pages 12–23

literary organization with national reach—one that continues to

Funding Page 24

champion underrepresented authors and connect readers and writers in meaningful ways.

2

Volunteers Page 26

powerful stories

Championing

from extraordinary voices.

3

Redefining 4

Canadian literature

Letter from the Executive Director Over the past decade, FOLD has welcomed tens of thousands of attendees, worked with hundreds of authors and artists, partnered with schools and libraries across the country, and created spaces where readers of all ages can see themselves reflected in books.

From the Festival of Literary Diversity to FOLD Kids Book Fest, FOLD Academy, the FOLD Reading Challenge, and more recent initiatives like the podcast and clothing line, each program reflects our commitment to access and equity and is rooted in a deep belief in the transformative power of stories.

As we move into a new decade of this work, we are excited to introduce a refreshed FOLD brand identity—one that reflects who we are today and the legacy we continue to build.

Like FOLD, the new look is bold and welcoming. It signals our commitment to building a literary ecosystem that is inclusive, joyful, and future-focused.

As you read this report, I hope you see both the scope of what we’ve accomplished and the possibility that lies ahead.

With gratitude,

Jael Richardson Executive Director, The FOLD Foundation

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6

About FOLD F LD THE FESTIVAL OF LITERARY DIVERSITY

2016

2021

2019

2026

2026

Founded in 2016 with the launch of the Festival of Literary Diversity, FOLD is one of Canada’s leading literary organizations, championing underrepresented authors and storytellers through inclusive, high-impact programming that is redefining Canada’s literary ecology. Based in Brampton, FOLD reaches both local, national, and international audiences through a combination of innovative in-person and virtual programs that run throughout the year.

As the organization has grown, FOLD’s new visual identity reflects this expansion and maturity. The introduction of new logos across FOLD and FOLD Kids signals a shift from a single flagship festival to a cohesive, multi-faceted organization—one that continues to deepen its impact while remaining rooted in its founding mission to amplify diverse voices and transform the literary landscape for readers and writers of all ages.

MEET THE STAFF:

Hudson Lin Program Coordinator

Ardo Omer Kids Program Coordinator

Jessica Rampersad Outreach and Communications Coordinator

Folio FOLD Kids Mascot 7

Expanding the FOLD Ecosystem More than a festival with additional programs, FOLD has evolved to become an organization comprised of interconnected parts, each contributing to a larger mission of championing a diverse range of readers, writers, and stories year-round. As FOLD enters its second decade, The FOLD Ecosystem reflects the evolution of work that has been growing over time. Bringing six distinct looks together under a new FOLD brand identity better illustrates the scope of the organization’s impact.

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Page 12–13

Where groundbreaking conversations take centre stage.

Page 14–15

Growing readers.

Raising leaders

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i n i t i a t i ve s f u e

llin

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on

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Si

x

n on

ed ec t

it i

ca lm

i s s ion

Navigating the craft and business of writing.

Page 16–17

.

Page 18–19

Broaden your bookshelf.

Expand your world.

Behind the story, beyond the book.

Page 20–21 Wear your story.

Page 22–23

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FOLD Ecosystem Impact

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THE FOLD ECOSYSTEM positions the organization for sustainable growth, national reach, and deeper community impact. It creates space for innovation while maintaining continuity, creating a structure where every initiative strengthens the whole.

The pages that follow explore each initiative in more detail—highlighting how each contributes to the larger ecosystem and how, together, they redefine what inclusive Canadian literary engagement looks like.

THE ECOSYSTEM STRUCTURE ALLOWS FOLD TO:

1.

2.

across ages, regions, and lived experiences

rather than seasonally

REACHES AUDIENCES

3.

FOSTERS CRITICAL PATHWAYS for writers and readers

SUPPORTS LITERARY ENGAGEMENT year-round

4.

STRENGTHENS LITERARY REPRESENTATION , and CULTURAL PARTICIPATION

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68

%

of those surveyed in 2025 identify as members of

MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

12

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rs at

ro

ak ing con

s t a ke c e n t r

Wher

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eg

un

re b d

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THE FESTIVAL OF LITERARY DIVERSITY is FOLD’s flagship event and the catalyst for the mission and purpose of the organization. Created in 2016 to address gaps in representation within Canada’s literary landscape, the festival brings together acclaimed and emerging authors for conversations that are bold, timely, and rooted in lived experience.

The festival began as an in-person event driven by a commitment to serve Brampton, but as the organization grew, so did its approach. Today, it stands as the only festival in Canada presented in an intentionally balanced multi-modal format, offering both innovative virtual programming and dynamic in-person experiences each spring. The multi-modal approach not only expands the festival’s access beyond geographic boundaries, it also ensures that a wide range of audiences can connect with authors and ideas in ways that are flexible, inclusive, and meaningful.

240,000 483

$

in AUTHOR

HONOURARIUMS paid out since 2016

415+

CANADIAN

AUTHORS 35 FEATURED INTERNATIONAL since 2016

13

340

%

increase in

IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE since 2019

860

%

increase in

OVERALL ATTENDANCE since 2019 14

ad

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G r ow

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.

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is in g le

rs

ad

. Ra s r e

FOLD KIDS BOOK FEST grew out of a recognition that young readers deserve a dedicated space to spark creativity and curiosity. From 2016–2018, children’s authors appeared as part of the main Festival of Literary Diversity, but in 2019, FOLD launched a distinct festival designed specifically for kids, families, and educators.

During the pandemic, the festival was delivered in a unique virtual format, expanding its reach to classrooms across the country. This focused approach allowed for deeper engagement and stronger connections with schools across the country.

Today, FOLD Kids Book Fest also operates in a dynamic multi-modal format, combining in-person community experiences in Brampton with accessible virtual programming that serves students, educators, and families nationwide throughout the school year.

81,000

$

in AUTHOR

HONOURARIUMS paid out since 2019

175

165

CANADIAN

AUTHORS 10 FEATURED INTERNATIONAL since 2019

15

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“Great speakers with great insights.”

“FOLD does a great job of cultivating a community of thoughtful, caring, and supportive participants.”

—FOLD Academy Attendee

—FOLD Academy Instructor

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ng

ec

ra

w

it i

f

n a t

siness o u b d f

v ig a N

at ing t h

.

FOLD ACADEMY began as a way to support writers by offering free craft-focused workshops, industry insight opportunities, and professional development experiences. Programming is designed to meet writers at different stages of their careers, providing practical tools that explore craft and equity in publishing.

Today, FOLD Academy reflects FOLD’s commitment to strengthening the literary community by creating even more opportunities for emerging writers in Canada through accessible, values-driven learning and networking experiences. In addition to a free monthly workshop series, FOLD Academy encompasses two annual opportunities for authors to pitch directly to editors and agents, and one virtual networking series that provides emerging writers with an opportunity to meet a variety of publishing professionals at the Festival of Literary Diversity.

80

175

per workshop

per workshop

LIVE ATTENDEES

+

REPLAYS

17

1,157 BOOKS READ

in the first 3 months of tracking 18

270k

MINUTES READ

148k

PAGES READ

200

REGISTERED USERS

Br

f.

yo u r b o o k n e sh d el a o

Ex pan

d yo u r wo r ld

.

FOLD READS builds on the success of FOLD’s annual Reading Challenge by expanding reader engagement and transforming the reading experience into a thoughtful and goal-oriented, year-round practice. Through reading challenges, digital tracking tools, and curated recommendations, participants of all ages are encouraged to read more, read widely, and read with intention.

By centring community and discovery, FOLD Reads helps readers build habits that extend beyond a single book or moment. The initiative reinforces reading as both a personal joy and a collective act—one that fosters empathy, curiosity, and connection across audiences.

The FOLD Reading Challenge began as a simple call to read more diversely.

It has grown into a dynamic, yearround reading experience where participants can track their progress, earn badges, and enjoy curated recommendations on a new virtual platform.

The FOLD Kids Book-of-the-Month program highlights two exceptional titles each month — one picture book and one chapter book. Featuring a diverse range of engaging stories, the program offers families, educators, and students a simple way to discover new Canadian titles year-round.

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20

nd t he b

oo

k.

Behind t he

st

o

. ry

yo Be

INTO THE FOLD : A BOOKS + LIT PODCAST was launched to celebrate a milestone—documenting the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Literary Diversity. It was envisioned as a limited series, a space to reflect on where we started, the journey so far, and the stories that shaped the first decade.

In the middle of the first season, however, something unexpected happened. Conversations between Founder and Executive Director Jael Richardson and Program Coordinator Hudson Lin revealed important insights into the work of organizing a literary festival— a perspective that most audiences don’t get to see. It became less about looking back on past achievements and more about pulling back the curtain on the challenges, creative tensions, and frustrations of working in the Canadian publishing industry.

Today, Into the Fold is a space for year-round, candid conversations—where the inner workings of building a literary community are explored in real time. It invites listeners to not just witness important milestones, but to understand the process, the people, and the purpose that drive the work forward.

4,000

+

LISTENS + VIEWS

2

SEASONS

22

EPISODES 21

“Developing permanent and seasonal lines has allowed us to grow this revenue source through unique projects and partnerships.”

—Jael Richardson, FOLD Executive Director 22

ur

We a r

yo

st

y. r o

FOLD APPAREL started with the production of an annual festival T-shirt featuring a fun, bookish slogan sold at the festival in Brampton. Each design was created to mark a moment and to give the FOLD community something tangible to show-off their love for reading wherever they went.

What began as a limited annual drop quickly revealed a real interest: people wanted more ways to carry the spirit of the Festival of Literary Diversity and the beautiful diversity of Canadian Literature with them into their everyday lives. Today, FOLD Apparel has evolved into a fully-operational, online, print-on-demand store that does just that.

Each piece is an extension of our mission—to connect community, to celebrate books and authors, and to amplify the stories that shape us. With a wide variety of styles, FOLD Apparel isn’t just merch; it’s a wearable expression of literary culture. It allows readers, writers, and supporters to represent FOLD wherever they are, sparking conversations and building connections in spaces far beyond the festival.

20,000

$

GROSS REVENUE and counting

23

Fueled

by Funders FOLD’s continued growth and impact are made possible through the generosity of donors, grantors, and sponsors who believe in the importance of championing diverse stories and voices. Your support has enabled us to expand our programming, deepen our community connections, and create meaningful opportunities for readers, writers, educators, and industry professionals. From accessible virtual events to vibrant in-person experiences, this collective investment ensures that our work remains both responsive and far-reaching.

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FOLD by the Numbers

1.5 million 90,000

$

$

GRANT REVENUE

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS

received since 2016

received since 2016

580,000 195,900

$

$

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

received since 2016

received since 2019

210,000 90,000

$

$

TICKET REVENUE

TICKET REVENUE

generated since 2016

generated since 2019

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Powered by Volunteers From the Board of Directors to other essential committees like the FOLD Program Advisory Team and the FOLD Kids Advisory Committee, volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually. While new volunteers continue to join, drawn by FOLD’s mission and community-first approach, many return year after year, bringing institutional knowledge, leadership, and care to the work.

3,000

+

VOLUNTEER HOURS

140

+

VOLUNTEERS averaging

21 HOURS each 26

GRANTORS, PARTNERS + SPONSORS 2016–2026 GRANTING BODIES

Open Minds Quarterly

Harlequin

Access Copyright Foundation

Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA)

HarperCollins Canada

Brampton Arts Council

Peel Aboriginal Network

Hilary Gaelen Weston Foundation

Canada Heritage

PEN Canada

House of Anansi

Canada Council for the Arts

Plenitude Magazine

Humber School for Writers

City of Brampton

Ripple Foundation

Experience Brampton

Room Magazine

Ontario 150

Shameless Magazine

Ontario Arts Council

TagTV

Ontario Book Publishers Organization

Ontario Creates

The New Quarterly

Orca Books

Ontario Trillium Foundation

The Walrus

Peel Elementary Teachers Local

Print Three

The Writers’ Union of Canada

PARTNERS

TIFF

Another Story Bookshop

Tinlids

B-Jazzed

Wild Writers Literary Festival

Booklore Brampton Arts Organization Brampton Library

Investors Group Literary Press Group of Canada

Penguin Random House Canada PS Literary Agency Rakuten Kobo Richardson Group

Wildseed Centre

Scholastic Canada

Youth Line

Second Story Press

Royal Ontario Museum

Simon Fraser University

Brampton On Stage

Sheridan College

Brick Magazine

SPONSORS

Simon & Schuster Canada

Broken Pencil Magazine

Algoma University

Stelliform Press

Carousel Players

Angel Gabriel Foundation

TD Bank

CBC Books

Annick Press

The Fiddle Head

Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)

Audible

Transatlantic Agency

Common Deer Press

University of Guelph MFA Creative Writing Program

EarlyON Humber Literary Review Kitchener Public Library Little Fiction | Big Truths Ontario Science Centre

Downtown Brampton BIA Dundurn Press ECW Press

University of Kings College Wattpad

FriesenPress

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2016 –2026 | The FOLD Foundation, Brampton, ON | t he f oldc a nada .or g 28