ILA Celebrate Literacy Award Grant

ILA Celebrate Literacy Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: International Literacy Association
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The ILA Celebrate Literacy Award honors exceptional contributions to literacy at local, state, or provincial levels. Awarded by the International Literacy Association, it aims to raise public awareness of literacy initiatives and recognize outstanding efforts in promoting literacy education. Candidates may include individuals or organizations demonstrating excellence in direct teaching, organizing literacy programs, or conducting relevant research. This award underscores the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and social justice issue.

Overview

About Us The International Literacy Association (ILA) is a professional membership organization for literacy professionals across 128 countries. It was founded in 1956, under the name International Reading Association, and for nearly 70 years has supported educators, researchers, and experts from every corner of the world. ILA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—core values reflected in our mission and dedication to fostering a culture of acceptance in which every person feels safe and supported as their authentic selves. We advocate for children’s rights to read and to excellent literacy instruction in reading, writing, communicating, and critical thinking and seek to ensure that every child, everywhere, is guaranteed these basic human rights. Our mission ILA connects research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe in ways that are respectful, responsive, and ethical. We advocate for equitable access to literacies among individuals of all ages and diverse communities as a basic human right and a matter of social justice. Our work For more than 65 years, ILA has set the standard for how literacy is defined, taught, and evaluated. We are the professional home for literacy educators across the globe. What We Do Publish cutting-edge, peer-reviewed research Create and disseminate practical, evidence-based resources for educators Provide impactful professional development and learning experiences Recognize outstanding teacher preparation programs Support teachers, researchers, and literacy leaders with awards and grants Celebrate Literacy Award The Celebrate Literacy Award recognizes organizations, institutions, and individuals that have made significant literacy contributions at the local, state, or provincial level. The hope is that the celebration will familiarize the public with literacy activities in the community and call attention to the work that is being done by the schools and the International Literacy Association to promote literacy worldwide. Candidates who have shown exemplary accomplishments in any of the following areas may be suggested for consideration as Celebrate Literacy Award recipients: Direct teaching at any levelOrganizing local literacy programsPromoting support from the public relative to enhancing literacyProducing teaching materials or special media for literacy programsConducting research in field related to literacyConducting special surveys of importance for literacy planningProviding young people the opportunity to help in literacy activities Celebrate Literacy Award GuidelinesConducting informal educational activities of a social, cultural, economic, or political nature in which literacy activities are included (i.e., social media programs, publications and press, library programs, and projects for special populations such as the handicapped and the aged).

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Must be a current state/provincial chapter member and ILA member. Must apply to the state/provincial chapter to be considered. The chapter board reviews all nominations. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.