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Q: Why should I start a RIF program? A: If you work with a group of children in an organized program already, a RIF program may be a wonderful supplement to the services you provide. You can provide the children in your program with free books and resources, motivational activities, and the parental and community support that may help them become lifelong readers. Q: When and where do RIF programs operate? A: You may schedule your program to run year-round, during the school year, or for the summer. You can organize and run your RIF site from a school, library, childcare center, Head Start program, park, community center, health clinic, migrant camp, domestic shelter virtually any place that serves children or where children gather. RIF operates in 25,000 sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Q: Who is involved in running a RIF program? A: RIF programs are run locally and supported nationally. Programs are started, funded, and run at the grassroots level by a variety of community volunteers parents, educators, librarians, members of service clubs, employee volunteers, local leaders, retirees, and others who want to encourage children to grow up reading. The national support comes from program specialists at RIFs headquarters in Washington, D.C. We provide advice on developing your program, ideas on how to make it effective and fun, nationally negotiated discounts on books, and more. Q: What types of programs are available? A: RIF has two major types of programs: the National Book program and Special Literacy Programs. The National Book Program has three major components: books for ownership, motivational activities, and parent and community involvement. Special Literacy Programs contain these three elements, but they are targeted towards specific populations (e.g., teenage parents, young children), often have an increased role for parents or caregiver involvement, and may include a training component. Q: How do I know which program is right for me? A: Most RIF programs are National Book Programs, because this type of program can be used with a wide variety of children and communities. However, there are three options available for Special Literacy Programs, one of which might be right for you. If you work with a large percentage of children ages zero through eight and are interested in providing parenting education for their families, Family of Readers may be for you. There is federal funding available for this program. If you work with a large percentage of teenage parents, you may be interested in the Shared Beginnings program, in which both parents and children receive free books and resources. There is federal funding available for this program. If you work specifically with first graders, and you can raise private funds, you may wish to consider starting a Running Start program, designed to promote the reading motivation of first graders. Q: Who is eligible to run a RIF program? A: Any public agency or private nonprofit group may apply to RIF to start a program. Depending on certain eligibility requirements, you may start a federal or private program. Q: What age children should we plan to serve? A: The program is designed for youngsters of any age, from infancy through high school, and can be adapted to the needs of young people from all backgrounds. Q: How many children can we serve? A: Any number, depending on the resources you have available, but you must serve all youngsters equally. For example, if you choose to work with children in a second-grade Title 1 program, all children in that program must participate. If you target an eighth-grade classroom, everyone in the class must be included. A: To get our preliminary application form you can either call RIFs toll-free number, 877-RIF-READ (877-743-7323), or print out the form for starting a RIF program. If RIF approves your proposal, your group then enters into an agreement with RIF to operate a 12-month, renewable project. Any questions about the proposal? Just call; our staff is happy to help. Q: How long will I wait for my information to be processed? A: Due to limited federal funds and high demand, the waitlist is more than one year long for a new federal program. You will get a letter regarding your eligibility within two to four weeks. Q: What can we expect from RIFs national headquarters?A: Our staff offers wide-ranging assistance in conducting effective programs:
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 Looking for more information about RIF? Visit the Who We Are section of our site for new updates and for details about RIF's leadership, partnerships, and more.
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