Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership

Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Reading Is Fundamental Inc
Last Updated: February 25, 2026

Summary

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership program supports local literacy initiatives by providing funding for diverse books and literacy resources. Established in 1966, RIF aims to foster a culture of literacy among children in under-resourced communities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to double their impact through matched funds, ensuring children have access to high-quality books that reflect their experiences and broaden their perspectives.

Overview

NOTE: You can only apply for funding to support one of the programs. Please See the additional opportunities related to this grant - Here is the Read for Success page.Here is the Skybrary page. Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant Since our founding in 1966, RIF has fostered local partnerships to bring books and literacy materials to children in under-resourced communities to create a culture of literacy and foster opportunities for children to read, learn, and grow. RIF is committed to providing high-quality, diverse books in print and digital formats that provide opportunities for children to see themselves represented in the books they read and extend their worldview through diverse characters and experiences. Our matching grant program enables local literacy partners to double their impact by partnering with RIF to drive reading outcomes for children in their community. Through our matching grant program, RIF matches 100% of local dollars to bring books and literacy resources to children that need them most. The matching grant program empowers local innovation and long-term sustainability to create collective impact centered on providing critical access to diverse books and literacy resources. All educational institutions and youth-serving organizations are eligible to apply. Explore the Grantee Spotlights below to see how our program is making a difference in communities nationwide. The Matching Grant program is now open for applications for three RIF programs: Books for Ownership, Read for Success, and Skybrary. RIF’s matching grant program maximizes your impact by doubling your dollars through RIF’s support. The grant program can benefit your organization from two different perspectives: The RIF grant award doubles the amount of money you have to purchase RIF programs for the children you serve with RIF’s match equal to your local investment.The RIF grant award enables you to purchase high-quality RIF programs at just half the cost. For example, RIF books cost $4/book but with the matching funds, you’ll be able to obtain the books at just $2/book. Books for Ownership Books for Ownership, Reading Is Fundamental’s (RIF) flagship reading program, is grounded in choice, access, and engagement. It enables children to select new, age-appropriate books to take home and own and is supported by resources for educators, families, and volunteers to create a continuous focus on reading. The matching grant award provides grantees with books for them to distribute to the children they serve to take home and own, building home libraries and creating a culture of literacy. Funding The matching grant is provided in the form of a book award, redeemable online in RIF’s Bookstore. Each applicant is required to submit a grant application for the number of books requested to implement RIF’s Books for Ownership program, priced at $4 per book. Please note, the RIF grant award only covers the costs of the books through RIF’s Bookstore and cannot be used for any supplemental purposes/supplies. Each dollar requested from RIF must be monetarily matched by the grantee. The entire dollar amount (local match plus RIF grant award) will be converted into a RIF program award.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants include school districts, individual schools, public libraries, community-based organizations, civic organizations, and other youth-serving entities that serve children in the United States from birth through grade 12.Books for Ownership Program Requirements:Order all books from RIF’s online Bookstore where you can select from thousands of high-quality, diverse titles that children can see themselves in as well as books that provide a window into the world around them. Distribute the books to children during at least 1 book celebration event during the program period. Children must be able to choose the book(s) they take home and keep. Engage families in the program.

Ineligibility

In-kind donations are not accepted for the required local matching funds.