Literacy Initiative for Families and Thriving Communities (LIFT) - Competitive Grant

The Literacy Initiative for Families and Thriving Communities (LIFT) Grant aims to enhance literacy among young children by fostering family engagement and collaboration with community organizations. It supports local educational agencies in establishing home-based literacy programs and partnerships with libraries and childcare centers. The grant, available in tiers of $20,000 to $60,000, encourages innovative outreach to families with young children, ensuring sustainable literacy ecosystems within communities. The program runs from September 30, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

The Literacy Initiative for Families and Thriving Communities (LIFT) Grant is a competitive funding opportunity designed to support LEAs in developing programs that cultivate home-based literacy habits and foster strong family engagement in children’s literacy development.
Grants will require partnerships with community-based literacy organizations and active collaboration with willing DCF County Councils for Young Children (CCYC). Programs are expected to engage non-traditional community partners, such as libraries, family success centers, Head Start centers, daycare centers, and other locally trusted organizations, to reach and serve families with young children. The NJDOE thanks the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) for their collaboration on this initiative.
The Department anticipates the LIFT Grant to result in the following outcomes:
Expand access to literacy resources and supports for families with young childrenStrengthen home-school partnerships that reinforce literacy development beyond the classroomEngage families and caregivers in meaningful literacy practicesLeverage trusted community organizations to broaden outreach and engagementFoster sustainable, family-centered literacy ecosystems within local communities
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a one-year grant program. This grant program is open to LEAs who have 40% or more free and reduced lunch and service Pre-K students. Award tiers of $20,000, $40,000, and $60,000 will be made based on district enrollment.