Mighty Writers announces temporary programming pause and staff furloughs
The educational nonprofit said the pause came as it sorts out financial difficulties.
Educational nonprofit Mighty Writers has suspended its programming and services and furloughed dozens of staffers on what the organization has said is a temporary basis amid funding difficulties.
“Mighty Writers is not closing. We are writing a new chapter,” said CEO and executive director Corinne Green in a video message posted to the nonprofit’s website. “Our path forward is clear, and we remain deeply committed to restoring services that our community depend on.”
Mighty Writers announced the furlough period via its website and email list this week, noting that it was effective starting Tuesday, Sept. 1. In her message, Green said the pause on services impacts programming at the organization’s Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Camden, and Atlantic City locations.
Green said 26 staff members were impacted by the furlough, and 11 workers remained active to “stabilize the organization, secure resources, communicate with our partners, and prepare programs to return.”
The organization did not indicate how long the furlough period might last, and it could not immediately be reached for further comment.
In a statement, the organization noted that, like other nonprofits, it is reliant upon philanthropic support, grants, government funding, and reimbursement-based contracts to operate. A 2025 annual report indicated Mighty Writers was experiencing a “notable decline in institutional giving,” and saw fewer awarded grants from state agencies, corporate entities, and foundations that year.
As a result, the report noted, the organization projected a $1.9 million budget deficit, and estimated a $2 million reimbursement-related cash flow shortage through 2027.
“We have responded by reducing expenses, restructuring operations, strengthening our financial management, and pursuing new funding opportunities and partnerships,” Green said. But once those options were exhausted, the organization said, the furlough period became the “most responsible step” to ensure Mighty Writers’ future operations.
The furlough period, the organization said, is intended to allow some time to “stabilize” its finances to eventually begin providing services again.
Founded in 2009, Mighty Writers provides a number of services to vulnerable families, including food distribution efforts, summer camp, and after-school and literacy programming. In its 2025 annual report, the group said it served more than 5,800 students, and made 110,000 family distribution visits.
Green said Mighty Writers would provide additional information in the coming days via its website and email list. The organization is seeking donations from individuals, as well as new funding relationships, corporate partners, and other financial sources, she added.
“We are writing the next chapter for an organization that has been a staple in the community for nearly two decades,” Green said, “and we invite you to help us write that next chapter and finish the story with us.”
