Proliteracy Worldwide
ProLiteracy Worldwide is a public charity based in Syracuse, New York. It advances adult literacy by supporting literacy programs with funding, training, professional learning, research, and print and digital learning resources.
Proliteracy Worldwide at a glance
In short: Proliteracy Worldwide gave $502K across 80 grants in 2025 (avg $6K), top state Pennsylvania. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $502,176
- -17.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 80
- +3.9% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $6,277
- -20.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $6,000
- Total assets
- $20,759,033
- +4.3% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (9% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Proliteracy Worldwide
- How to Apply
-
ProLiteracy provides online applications for its funds. The Literacy Opportunity Fund requires a complete, detailed application; the Mobile Learning Fund requires a complete application and a free demo, trial, or pilot of the requested digital solution; and the National Book Fund requires applicants to define a specific materials need and use the materials directly with adult students or literacy staff, tutors, instructors, or volunteers.
- Review Cycle
- The Literacy Opportunity Fund lists four annual application windows, closing July 1, October 1, January 3, and April 1. The Mobile Learning Fund accepts applications on a rolling basis until annual funds are exhausted. The 2026 National Book Fund application period is closed.
- Deadline
- The Literacy Opportunity Fund lists four annual application windows, closing July 1, October 1, January 3, and April 1.
- Next open deadline
- January 3, 2027 (Literacy Opportunity Fund Grant)
- Contact
Mailing address: 308 Maltbie Street 100, Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315) 422-9121
Website: https://proliteracy.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Proliteracy Worldwide
Literacy Opportunity Fund Grant
Proliteracy Worldwide
Amount
Up to US $6,000
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
Mobile Learning Fund Grant
Proliteracy Worldwide
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
National Book Fund Grant
Proliteracy Worldwide
Amount
US $500 - US $2,000 in in-kind support
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Proliteracy Worldwide funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Workforce Essentials ($14K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $93K.
Grant Size Distribution
177 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 177 grants of 177 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ProLiteracy’s grants include support for U.S. literacy organizations. Its website describes domestic work across all 50 states and international work with partners in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In 2025, its reported grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states, with the largest state shares in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Massachusetts, and Tennessee.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 80 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Proliteracy Worldwide gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $6K (2021) to $605K (2024). In 2025 it made 80 grants totaling $502K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Garces Family Foundation Philadelphia, PA | Literacy Programs | $12,625 |
| Chesterfield County Public Schools Chesterfield, VA | Literacy Programs | $12,500 |
| Blue Ridge Literacy Roanoke, VA | Literacy Programs | $12,000 |
| Vita Education Services Doylestown, PA | Literacy Programs | $10,000 |
| Workforce Essentials Clarksville, TN | Literacy Programs | $7,725 |
| Antioch Unified School District Antioch, CA | Literacy Programs | $6,975 |
| Glen Cove Public Library Glen Cove, NY | Literacy Programs | $6,725 |
| Ysleta ISD-Community Learning Center El Paso, TX | Literacy Programs | $6,250 |
| Salinas Adult School Salinas, CA | Literacy Programs | $6,250 |
| Zaman International Inkster, MI | Literacy Programs | $6,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $20,759,033 | $11,913,916 | $12,716,083 | $502,176 | 80 | $1,064,313 |
| 2024 | $19,898,483 | $13,383,137 | $12,160,481 | $605,439 | 77 | $744,757 |
| 2023 | $18,062,930 | $10,528,380 | $11,347,183 | $47,603 | 6 | $615,691 |
| 2022 | $17,604,255 | $13,411,984 | $11,781,100 | $139,222 | 13 | $1,209,742 |
| 2021 | $19,464,705 | $10,559,048 | $10,055,483 | $6,000 | 1 | $720,167 |
| 2020 | $16,059,797 | $9,988,202 | $10,587,632 | $20,000 | 3 | $403,711 |
| 2019 | $16,707,319 | $11,009,742 | $10,062,911 | $20,500 | 3 | $1,269,337 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
ProLiteracy states its mission as “Every adult has a right to literacy” and says it develops and promotes adult literacy learning, content, and programs to increase adult literacy rates worldwide. Its stated work includes direct support for literacy programs, professional services, and publishing instructional tools for adult students and older teens.
Its grants support U.S. organizations providing literacy services directly to adult students, including general operating needs, digital learning tools, and print instructional materials. Examples among its 2025 grantees include Blue Ridge Literacy, whose mission is to help adult learners achieve life goals through functional literacy, and VITA Education Services, which says it provides educational programs to help adult learners gain skills, pursue personal goals, and build self-sufficiency. The Garces Foundation describes its work as providing healthcare, education, and support to Philadelphia’s immigrant population.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, ProLiteracy reported 80 grants totaling $502,176. Grants ranged from $5,175 to $12,625, with a median of $6,000. The listed purposes for its largest grants were literacy programs. Recipient states receiving the largest shares of grant dollars were Pennsylvania (9%), Virginia (7%), Texas (6%), Massachusetts (6%), and Tennessee (5%).
Among the largest reported grants were $12,625 to the Garces Family Foundation in Philadelphia, $12,500 to Chesterfield County Public Schools in Virginia, $12,000 to Blue Ridge Literacy, and $10,000 to VITA Education Services. Other listed recipients included Workforce Essentials ($7,725), Antioch Unified School District ($6,975), Glen Cove Public Library ($6,725), and Ysleta ISD-Community Learning Center ($6,250).
ProLiteracy’s Literacy Opportunity Fund supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that directly provide literacy services to students. Grants may be used for general operating expenses, literacy projects, or new programming. The fund’s stated maximum award is $6,000, and it awards grants four times a year. Applicants must have an EIN, submit a complete application, and not have received a Literacy Opportunity Fund grant in the preceding 12 months. Book distributions and lending libraries are not eligible projects.
The Mobile Learning Fund provides adult literacy programs with access to digital learning solutions, including online courses and instructional platforms. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while funds remain. Eligible programs must define a specific need, complete a free demo, trial, or pilot of the requested solution, plan to implement it within 30 days of onboarding, and use licenses directly with adult students aged 16 or older. The fund is not intended for students enrolled in K–12 classrooms.
The National Book Fund provides print instructional materials through New Readers Press for adult literacy and basic education programs. Its 2026 application period has closed; the website says awards are made annually in the spring and applicants may not have received a National Book Fund grant in the preceding two years.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Mark Vineis as president and CEO. It lists Kate Costello-Sullivan as chair, Kathleen Hinchman as vice chair, Jack Burke as treasurer, and Maria Bartoszewicki as secretary. Directors listed include Aarthi Anand, Lindsey Basler, Ruth Colvin, Ginger Duiven, and William Manzanares IV.
Proliteracy Worldwide is led by Mark Vineis, President & CEO on every filing since 2022; 8 of 22 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Mark Vineis
President & CEO
On filings since 2022
60 hrs/week
$65K (2022) → $380K (2025)
Kate Costello-Sullivan
Chair
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Helms
Director of Sales
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$118K (2021) → $148K (2025)
David Rosen
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ginger Duiven
Director
Director → Chair, 2021
Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ruth Colvin
Director
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aarthi Anand
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marc Strohl
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roxann Smithers
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Manzanares IV
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lindsey Basler
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Smith
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anthony Cammarano
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Karen Welch
Supervisor
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$182K (2019) → $171K (2025)
Sonja Marianne Chernos
Vice President of Publishing
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$197K (2020) → $212K (2025)
Gregory Stultz
Educational Consultant & Tra
Educational Consultant & Training → Educational Consultant & Tra, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$108K (2022) → $120K (2025)
Allison Bleyler McDonald
Supervisor
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$114K (2024) → $123K (2025)
Donald Todd Evans
Employee
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$105K (2025)
Stephen Carr
Vice President of Development
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$171K (2025)
Jack Burke
Treasurer
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Hinchman
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2022
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maria Bartoszewicki
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (12)
- Former: Denise Nelson (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Denine Torr (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Kevin Morgan (2019–2022) — President & CEO
- Former: Lynn Reed (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Steven Toy (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Jose Cruz (2019–2021) — Vice Chair
- Former: Morgan Battle (2019–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Nadia Naviwala (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Steven Lux (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Thomas Eron (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Peter Waite (2019–2020) — Executive Vice President
- Former: Sherrie Claiborne (2019–2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $380K, to Mark Vineis (President/CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Proliteracy Worldwide
How much does Proliteracy Worldwide give each year?
Proliteracy Worldwide gave $502K across 80 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $605K across 77 grants.
What is Proliteracy Worldwide's typical grant size?
Proliteracy Worldwide's median grant in 2025 was $6,000, and its average grant was $6,277, across 80 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Proliteracy Worldwide give grants?
Proliteracy Worldwide's top state is Pennsylvania, with 9% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Virginia (7%) and Texas (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (2 grants), Clarksville, TN (2 grants), Milwaukee, WI (2 grants) and Cleveland, OH (2 grants).
Does Proliteracy Worldwide give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 80 grants with a stated purpose on Proliteracy Worldwide's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Literacy Programs" (80 grants).
Who are Proliteracy Worldwide's largest grantees?
Proliteracy Worldwide's largest 2025 grantees include Workforce Essentials ($13,725 across 2 grants), The Garces Family Foundation ($12,625) and Chesterfield County Public Schools ($12,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 8% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Proliteracy Worldwide?
Proliteracy Worldwide reported $20.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $11.9M.
What does Proliteracy Worldwide fund?
ProLiteracy states its mission as “Every adult has a right to literacy” and says it develops and promotes adult literacy learning, content, and programs to increase adult literacy rates worldwide. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Proliteracy Worldwide?
ProLiteracy provides online applications for its funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Proliteracy Worldwide's EIN?
Proliteracy Worldwide's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 16-6076384. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 7, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS January 20, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 31, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS December 7, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 17, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 23, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Proliteracy Worldwide's focus areas in our free grants database
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Total Given
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Proliteracy Worldwide funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/proliteracy-worldwide-morg_e6943ada88294fe7b174198cef81512d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_166076384_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Proliteracy Worldwide funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/proliteracy-worldwide-morg_e6943ada88294fe7b174198cef81512d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Proliteracy Worldwide's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Proliteracy Worldwide down — hundreds of funders to go?