Middle Grade March is a month-long reading challenge designed to help parents, teachers, and librarians motivate middle grade readers while building real-world skills through story. Centered around the Charms Book Series, this structured 31-day reading program for ages 8–14 combines engaging middle grade fiction with daily skill-building prompts that support literacy development, critical thinking, time management, teamwork, and confidence. Unlike traditional reading assignments, this challenge blends story-based learning with short, daily activities that make reading interactive, purposeful, and fun for tweens. It’s an ideal reading initiative for classrooms, libraries, homeschool programs, and families looking for books that kids actually enjoy while strengthening comprehension, problem-solving abilities, and lifelong learning habits. Middle Grade March supports educational goals, social-emotional growth, and STEM-related curiosity, making it a powerful reading motivation program for students in grades 4–8.
Nonprofit Resources
Businesses I Use & Recommend
Building a nonprofit means wearing a lot of hats and finding the right tools can make all the difference. This is my personal list of resources, platforms, professionals, and services I use to run and grow Books That Build Skills. No giant directory. No endless list of things I found on Google. Just resources that have earned a place in my own nonprofit toolbox.
I’ll continue adding to this page as I discover new tools worth sharing. If you are considering a platform that is not listed here, ask… you may not want to use it. I hope it saves you a little time, a little money, and perhaps a few headaches along the way.
Remember to always ask if the company provides nonprofit pricing!
The Greater Sum *
Advertising
Google Ad Grant – First and only piece of advice about the most frustrating advertising you will ever attempt. Hire Elmer Ayala @OLA to set this up and run it for you. DO NOT attempt to do this on your own. My Board forbids me from touching it now.
Conversion Rate Optimization
Elmer Ayala @OLA – For those with existing sites and social channels that need that little extra umph!
Community
NonProfit Hive *
Digital Marketing Growth & Scale
Elmer Ayala @OLA – WordPress site development with SEO/GEO and analytics baked in
Donation Platforms
I suggest using Stripe to get donations and not use a middleman platform
Financial
Relay Financial – BEST banking experience ever! (I am still using the free level and it gives me everything I need.)
Stripe
Graphics
Canva – * Love, love, love this company!
Google Ads Grant Management
Elmer Ayala @OLA – Stop trying to figure it out on your own and hire him! BEST decision I’ve made this year.
Grant Research
Kindora – has a free starter plan
Koolay – * Grant Hub Lite is free to 501(c)3 organizations under $1M
Music
Music To * – because we all need good tunes in the background to keep us inspired!
Office Tools
Google for Nonprofits * – The full office workspace including: email (using your URL), Docs, Sheets, Meet, Gemini, Vids, Drive, Forms, Classroom.
Podcast Marketing Growth & Scale
Other West Coast – Kristen makes your podcast known!
Tellie
Google Voice
SmartLess Mobile – I pay $20 a month. Really.
Volunteers
Taproot Foundation – * Outstanding and talented volunteers from all sectors.
* Free or discounted for Nonprofits
Do you know of a resource I should add? Does your company support Nonprofits? Contact us and let Loxley know!