Reading Is Fundamental Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,420,967 (2024)
• Success Rate: Approximately 51% (63 recipients from estimated pool of applicants)
• Decision Time: Approximately 2-3 months from application deadline to announcement
• Grant Range: Varies by program - Books for Ownership: $4 per book; Read for Success: $1,150 per program (25 students)
• Maximum Ask: $15,000 from RIF (requires $15,000 local match, total program value $30,000)
• Geographic Focus: National (all 50 U.S. states)

Contact Details

Website: www.rif.org Phone: 202-536-3418 Email: development@rif.org Grant Program Information: Register on the Literacy Network at rif.org/literacy-network

Overview

Founded in 1966 by former teacher Margaret McNamara, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit children's literacy organization. RIF has distributed over 412 million books and impacted the lives of more than 40 million children in all 50 states. With an annual revenue of approximately $12.8 million and annual grant distribution of $3.4 million, RIF operates through a matching grant model that leverages local partnerships to maximize impact. After losing federal funding in 2011, RIF transformed its funding model to rely on corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors. The organization has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a score of 97%, reflecting strong financial health and organizational accountability.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

RIF offers a competitive annual Matching Grant program with applications typically opening in February:

Books for Ownership - $4 per book

• Enables children to select new, age-appropriate books to take home and own
• Application Method: Annual application through online portal

Read for Success - $1,150 per program serving 25 students

• Pairs interactive classroom read-alouds with book ownership
• Includes 6 books per student, journal, and tote bag

Skybrary - Variable pricing

• Web-based digital library for K-3 students featuring hundreds of eBooks
• Available through matching grant program

Grant Structure:

• RIF matches 100% of local dollars (50/50 split)
• Maximum ask: $15,000 from RIF (requires $15,000 local match)
• Awards made in book allocations rather than cash

Priority Areas

• Under-resourced communities with limited access to books
• Programs serving children from birth through grade 12
• Cultural relevance - books reflecting children's culture and heritage
• Achievement gap reduction initiatives
• Strong community engagement plans

What They Don't Fund

• Non-book program costs (venue fees, event materials, food)
• Operational expenses or general organizational support
• Cash grants - awards only made in book allocations
• In-kind donations not accepted for matching funds requirement

Governance and Leadership

Jack Remondi - Chairman of the Board (President & CEO of Navient)

Alicia Levi - President and CEO (since 2016) Prior to RIF, served as Vice President of Education at PBS

Key Quote from Alicia Levi: "I believe that if every child could read, we would change the world. Literacy is the skill that opens doors to a world of opportunity and possibilities."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Eligible applicants: Schools, libraries, community-based organizations serving children birth through grade 12
• Online application through RIF portal (typically opens in February)
• Register on RIF's Literacy Network for updates
• Required: Project narrative, implementation strategy, demonstrated need, budget with matching funds details

Decision Timeline

• Application Opens: February
• Application Deadline: Late February (predicted 2026: February 24)
• Award Announcement: Late May (approximately 2-3 months review)
• Program Implementation: Complete by March 31 of following year
• Final Report: Due April 25 of following year

Success Rates

• 2024: 63 organizations selected, 124 total awards made
• Estimated success rate: Approximately 51%
• Supported over 77,600 children in 27 states

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies not publicly documented. Register on Literacy Network for future cycle updates.

Application Success Factors

Evaluation Criteria:

• Clear, detailed project narrative demonstrating understanding of RIF programs
• Demonstrated need for under-resourced communities
• Strong implementation and engagement strategy
• Expertise/experience in children's literacy
• Secured matching funds (not in-kind)

Keys to Success:

• Align with RIF's core belief that choice, access, and engagement create skilled readers
• Provide specific data about under-resourced populations served
• Clearly explain source of 50% local match (required)
• Emphasize book ownership model, not borrowing
• Show how you'll create lasting culture of reading
• Applications serving culturally relevant books prioritized

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Matching funds are mandatory - Secure your 50% local match before applying; in-kind donations do not count
• Book ownership is the model - Emphasize how ownership creates lasting impact versus borrowing
• Prioritize demonstrated need - Focus on under-resourced communities with limited book access
• Choose the right program - Select Books for Ownership, Read for Success, or Skybrary based on capacity
• Engagement is key - Show how you'll create choice, access, and engagement beyond distribution
• Register early - Join Literacy Network for timely application updates
• Competitive process - With ~51% success rate, strong applications with clear need and capacity stand out

References

1. Reading Is Fundamental Official Website - www.rif.org (Accessed February 2026)
2. RIF 2025 Matching Grant Information - www.rif.org/literacy-network/Matching-Grant
3. "Reading Is Fundamental Announces 2024 Matching Grant Recipients" - RIF Press Release, May 23, 2024
4. Charity Navigator Rating for RIF - Score: 97%, Four-Star Rating
5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - EIN 520976257
6. RIF Board and Leadership Information - www.rif.org/about-us/our-team