• RIF projects that receive federal matching funds are required to raise the "local matching share" for RIF books (at least 25 percent of the total cost of books for the children served). There is one exception to this rule: If 100% of the children served are children of seasonal farm workers, the program can be fully funded by federal dollars.
• Federally funded programs must serve 100 or more children.
• At least 80% of children in a federally funded program must be considered "at risk," as defined by the National Literacy Act of 1991 and participate in Federal Free and Reduced Meal program, or comparable federally funded economic support program.

Organizations participating in RIF Programs must follow these guidelines:

• Each child can choose a book to take home at each book distribution. School year programs should hold at least three book distributions (scheduled one month apart) during each program year. Summer programs are required to hold at least two book events for all children served by the program. Year-round programs must distribute at least five books through a minimum of three distributions.

• Volunteers must organize motivational activities to get children excited about reading just before the book distributions.

• Parents and key community members should be involved in planning and implementing the program.

• Three or more people are required to serve on the book selection committee for RIF book events.

• At the end of the program year, RIF programs must complete a performance report on RIF activities and submit a new proposal to RIF. The performance report is designed to help RIF staff share ideas with other RIF projects and report to Congress and corporate sponsors.

• Programs receiving federal funds must also submit a distribution report for each distribution held.

• Programs must also complete guidelines checklist forms in order to be approved.

Applications for Programs
If you are interested in starting a RIF program and think you might meet the eligibility requirements for federal funds, start the process of becoming a RIF program by filling out a preliminary application form for the program of your choice.

• National Book Program
• Shared Beginnings
• Family of Readers 

Mail completed application forms to:

• Reading Is Fundamental
  1825 Connecticut Ave.
  Suite 400
  Washington, DC 20009

If you don't think you'll meet these eligibility requirements and you can find sources for private funding, start the process of becoming a RIF program by emailing contactus@rif.org or calling toll free at 1-877-RIF-READ.

Please note: Given our limited resources and the high demand for federal grant funds, we cannot predict how long your program will need to remain on our waiting list. We estimate that it could be a year or more before we can allocate federal funds to start new programs.