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United for Literacy Initiative - Book Distribution Funding Partnership

UNITED WAY OF ROCK RIVER VALLEY

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Funding Amount

Up to $5,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

United for Literacy Initiative - Book Distribution Funding Partnership

Funder: United Way of Rock River Valley (UWRRV)

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

    • Contact: Jessica Iasparro, Director of Community Impact at UWRRV, 815-299-5545 or jessica@unitedwayrrv.org

    How to Apply

    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.

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitsliteracyeducationpreschools

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