Frequently Asked Questions About Funding for RIF Progams

• Who pays for all this?
• What other potential funding sources should my local program consider?
• What will my program cost?
  

Q:  Who pays for all this?

A: Many schools, community organizations, and civic groups raise their own funds for RIF books. However, organizations serving a group of children in which a high percentage meet certain criteria, described in the National Literacy Act of 1991, will be considered for funding.

Currently, preliminary applications are used to determine placement on a waiting list for federal funds. Please note that the forms can be completed online, but not yet submitted online.

RIF will review the preliminary applications and send notification to groups that appear to meet the eligibility requirements. When federal funds become available, a program specialist will contact the group to confirm its eligibility and send a proposal. Proposals must be completed and returned to RIF within 30 days of receipt.

Organizations not eligible for federal funds are still eligible to receive discounts and other assistance from RIF by running a locally funded program. A locally funded program should budget at least $5 per child per year. If you will be running your program with locally raised funding, you will need to complete the Proposal for 100 Percent Locally Funded Programs. If you have any questions, contact a RIF program specialist.

For more information, call our toll-free number, 877-RIF-READ, or 202-673-1641.

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Q: What other potential funding sources should my local program consider?

A:

• Schools and PTAs.
  These are the most common sponsors of RIF projects, and are excellent sources of funding and volunteers.
  
• Corporations and small businesses.
  Many large businesses contribute money to benefit communities where they have offices or plants. Increasingly, small businesses also are willing to provide money, equipment, supplies, and services.
  
• Special events.
  Popular fund raisers include bake sales, reading marathons, benefit concerts, fashion shows, car washes, suppers, and so on. Local events, especially those that draw on a community's culture and diversity, can help generate awareness about the importance of reading as well as good will and funding for your project.
  
• Service Clubs (e.g Kiwanis, AAUW, Rotary, Elks).
  
• Sororities/Fraternities.
  
• Chain Retail Stores (e.g. Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Target).
  
• Local Foundations.

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Q: What will my program cost?

A: The full cost of running a RIF program depends on the number of children you want to serve. You can estimate the cost of a typical program, which provides three books for each child during a school year. The cost of purchasing three books a year for each child in your program may range from $4.50 to $6.

The cost may be higher if your program serves children with special needs, such as younger children who need board books or visually impaired children who need books in Braille. If your program is eligible for federal funds, you only have to raise 25% of the total cost.

In addition to budgeting for these books, you'll need to consider operating expenses such as postage, photocopying, decorations, refreshments, and materials for motivational activities. (Not that you'll necessarily have to pay for all of these; many projects get such goods and services donated.)

When you submit your proposal to RIF, you must have at least 10 percent of your book funds on hand and be prepared to raise the rest during the course of your program year.

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Browse the My RIF Program section of the site for the RIF handbook, guidelines, and forms.

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