RIWE and Waldorf Publications Meet $100,000 Challenge Grant with Broad Community Support June 26 2026

The Research Institute for Waldorf Education (RIWE) and Waldorf Publications (WP) have successfully met a surprise $100,000 challenge grant offered last August—raising the full amount in less than eleven months, entirely through new contributions. The response from supporters, both longtime friends and new donors, was extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful for every gift.

Last year, international sales of nonfiction books declined sharply. In response, RIWE leadership and its Board of Trustees began examining the organization's future. When Waldorf Publications moved from AWSNA to RIWE in 2013, there was hope that expanded book sales would both strengthen outreach for Waldorf education and provide a stable financial foundation for RIWE's research and publishing work. Waldorf Publications was envisioned as a means of bringing authentic resources to teachers, parents, and the broader culture while supporting the Institute's mission.

After more than a decade, however, it became clear that this vision would not be realized through book sales alone. Conversations about RIWE's future ranged from the possibility of closure to more ambitious alternatives. A board task force was formed to explore options, and news of these discussions reached a donor who responded with the remarkable opportunity of a challenge grant.

At the same time, RIWE conducted a survey of Waldorf schools regarding Waldorf Publications and its longstanding relationship with schools through AWSNA. The history of this partnership reaches back to 1986, when delegates from Waldorf schools requested the development of more professional teaching resources. At that time, educational materials often circulated as mimeographed copies, shared widely but frequently difficult to read after repeated reproduction.

In response, David Mitchell, with support from Eckkehard Piening, established AWSNA Publications. Schools and teacher education institutes agreed to purchase five copies of every publication, helping to create a reliable foundation for educational publishing in North America.

By the early 2000s, educational resources had become far more accessible. New books on Waldorf teaching methods appeared regularly, internet resources expanded, and eBooks emerged. Dave Alsop's Online Waldorf Library (OWL), launched in 2001, further broadened access to articles, journals, and educational materials. As publishing evolved, AWSNA's Board questioned whether maintaining a publishing operation fit within its organizational model.

Following David Mitchell's passing in 2012, RIWE proposed that Waldorf Publications move from AWSNA to RIWE. The transition took place in 2013, with Patrice Maynard serving as Director of Publications and Development and Douglas Gerwin as Executive Director of RIWE.

Since then, the relationship between Waldorf Publications and AWSNA-affiliated schools has evolved. Schools contribute annual support to WP, which funds one copy of each newly published title for participating schools. Remaining funds may be used to purchase additional books at a 25% discount.

Recognizing the financial pressures schools have faced during and after the pandemic, Waldorf Publications has proposed further changes. The proposal would eliminate the automatic purchase of one book per title and reduce the annual support amount. Instead, schools would receive electronic information sheets for each new publication—typically seven to ten books per year—to share within their communities and help increase awareness and sales. Delegates will vote on this proposal at their annual meeting in the coming days.

With the successful completion of the challenge grant, RIWE's task force will now shift its focus toward organizational transition and renewal. Working with a Waldorf graduate and experienced organizational development consultant, RIWE plans to restructure staffing, add part-time administrative support, and expand the reach of its research and publishing resources. The goal is to extend the impact of RIWE's work far beyond what has been possible in the past.

Today, the prevailing mood is one of gratitude, care, and renewed optimism. We are deeply thankful to all who support the research and publishing work carried out by our small but dedicated team.

Recently, Patrice Maynard participated in an international gathering of publishers, editors, translators, and booksellers committed to bringing Rudolf Steiner's work to the world. Participants from Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, Argentina, England, and Scotland shared a common awareness of the significant decline in nonfiction book sales, along with a shared determination to continue this important work. It was an inspiring reminder that we are part of a vibrant international community facing similar challenges and opportunities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone dedicated to the work of Rudolf Steiner and Waldorf education, and to all who recognize the importance of deepening and broadening understanding of Waldorf education. Together, we support an educational movement that cultivates clear and nuanced thinking in young people and helps create a future grounded in truth, beauty, goodness, and rich cultural possibility.