United for Literacy Initiative - Book Distribution Funding Partnership

Geographic Scope: Winnebago County, Illinois

Focus Areas:

• Family literacy enrichment through book giveaways
• Read-alouds and community-based literacy events
• Three high-impact literacy practices: interactive read-alouds, independent reading/time with books, increased access to books at home
• Empowering parents as children's first teachers
• Focus on underserved areas

Eligibility:

• Programs serving preschool-aged children and early elementary students
• Organizations interested in book distribution without extensive service integration requirements
• Community-based programs and events

Award Recipients (2025-26):

• Alignment Rockford (Newborn Basics Kits, Ready to Learn Book Spaces)
• Brooke Road United Methodist Church
• Durand Charm
• Jackson Charter School
• Junior League of Rockford
• Severson Dells
• South Beloit School District
• Trinity Day Care
• YMCA of Rock River Valley

Special Features:

• Grantees can work with United Way to purchase books at discounted rates
• More flexible reporting requirements than Service Funding stream
• Access to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partnership

Application Process

UWRRV issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in February for Book Distribution Funding Partnership.

Requirements:

• Submit RFP response for book distribution programming
• Description of how books will be used (giveaways, read-alouds, family events)
• Commitment to three high-impact literacy practices
• More flexible reporting structure than Service Funding stream

Benefits:

• Discounted book purchasing through United Way partnership
• Technical assistance with book selection
• Flexible outcome tracking

Note: Specific application materials and deadlines not detailed in source material. Contact Jessica Iasparro for current RFP details.