Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about RIF. Please read through them. If they do not address your question, please e-mail the appropriate address or call the appropriate number on the Contact Us page.
RIF Basics
Donating to RIF
RIF Basics
What is RIF?
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc., is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit children's literacy organization.
When was RIF founded?
RIF was founded in 1966 by Margaret Craig McNamara.
What is RIF's mission?
RIF's mission is to:
- Ensure that every child believes in the value of books and the importance of reading.
- Assist children and their families with the fundamental resources children need to become motivated to read.
- Lead in the creation and development of national, regional and local collaborations building strong community-based children’s and family literacy programs.
back to top
How many children does RIF serve?
Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provides 4.5 million children with 16 million new, free books and literacy resources each year. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8.
Supported by the U.S. Department of Education, corporations, foundations, community organizations, and individuals, RIF has provided more than 350 million books since 1966 for children to choose and keep.
RIF serves children and families in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories in programs that operate in schools, libraries, community centers, childcare centers, Head Start and Even Start centers, hospitals, migrant worker camps, homeless shelters, and detention centers. Today, thanks to public-private partnerships, RIF is the nation's largest nonprofit children's and family literacy organization.
How do local programs help children?
Under the general guidance of RIF's national headquarters, local programs provide children with hands-on activities that stimulate the desire to read, and surround them with books to choose, keep, take home, and read.
RIF honors local wisdom in selecting which motivational activities to introduce, which children to serve, which books to place before the children, and which segments of the community to involve in their activities.
All RIF programs adhere to the following principles:
- Always provide books for children to explore and keep.
- Always involve volunteers in children's reading. (More than a third of our volunteers are parents.)
- Always use imaginative activities to spark a child's desire to read.
Learn more about RIF's programs ...
back to top
How is RIF funded?
RIF programs are funded through the generous support of countless individuals, community organizations, foundations, corporations and a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Who supports RIF programs?
RIF, at both the national and local levels, has formed alliances with a virtual "Who's Who" of the nation's major service organizations, including: Kiwanis, which has named RIF a Priority One project; Rotary International; Altrusa; Junior League; Links; PTAs; and AKA. Corporate alliances exist with Coca-Cola Co., Nestlé, Fidelity, UGI, New York Life, Metropolitan Life Foundation, Prudential, and others. Learn more about our partnerships ...
back to top
Where can I learn more about Books for Ownership (formerly known as the National Book Program)?
Whether you run Books for Ownership or you are thinking of starting one, visit the frequently asked questions about Books for Ownership to help you find the information you need.
How do I start a RIF program?
If you're interested in starting a RIF program, please visit the starting a RIF program section of our website for a full overview of all RIF programs.
back to top
Donating to RIF
How can I donate to RIF?
There are many ways to donate to RIF. You can contact the development staff toll-free at 1-888-725-4801 and make a contribution over the phone. You can also visit our donation page of this website for instructions on giving online, by mail, through workplace giving, or in your will. You can send donations to:
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.
Donations Processing
Suite 400
1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009-5726
How do I donate in honor or in memory of someone?You can make a donation in honor or in memory of someone by using the Honor Donation form or the Memorial Donation form, provided on this website. When you make a donation in honor or in memory, we will send a notice to that person or the family, and we will send you a tax receipt and acknowledgement. RIF is proud of our history of keeping administrative costs low, and making the best use of your charitable donation. In order to continue that tradition, we ask for a minimum gift of $15 for a donation in memory or in honor of someone. If you have questions about this policy, please feel free to contact our development staff toll-free at 1-888-725-4801.
How much of my donation is used to support RIF’s literacy programs?
RIF works hard to keep administrative costs low, and make sure that the majority of your donation goes to our literacy programs. Based on our last Form 990 submitted to the IRS (for fiscal year ending 9/30/02), and the formula provided by the Federal Government, 9.8% of our budget is spent on fundraising and administrative costs. That means that 90 cents out of every dollar goes directly to supporting RIF programs.
For the third consecutive year, RIF has received a high rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator of charities. In December, Reader’s Digest recognized RIF in its 2003 list of “The Best Charities: Who’s worth trusting with your donated dollars.” RIF was described as a trustworthy, well-run charity.
back to top
How can I make a gift to RIF through workplace giving campaigns?
RIF is a member of Children First -- America’s Charities. Simply pick Reading Is Fundamental, and designate the amount you would like to contribute. If Children First does not participate in your employer’s workplace giving campaign, you can still writein RIF as the recipient of your gift. You can also designate a gift to RIF if you are a federal employee through the Combined Federal Campaign. Our CFC and Chlidren First number is 0662.
How can I get my employer to match my gift to RIF?Hundreds of corporations around the country match employee gifts to charitable organizations. Ask your Human Resources Department if your employer matches gifts; typically, the employee completes a short form and sends it to RIF, and we do the rest. Matching gifts are a great way to double—or, in some cases, even triple—the impact of your gift.
What planned giving options does RIF offer?
You can leave a lasting legacy by making a bequest to RIF in your will. For more information, please contact RIF toll-free at 1-877-RIF-READ.
back to top
Can I donate used books to RIF?
RIF does not accept donations of used books. Try contacting your local library or community center for ideas on where to donate them.
How can my company partner with RIF?
RIF has a long history of developing successful and sustained business relationships with a variety of companies. By applying private sector business strategies, RIF develops and executes marketing programs tailored to meet a company’s business objectives, while raising support to purchase books and to provide exciting and effective literacy programs for children, families, and communities who need them most. There are a variety of ways companies can work with RIF, including:
- Tailored retail and trade promotions,
- Branded materials,
- Product/event tie-ins,
- Employee volunteer opportunities,
- Bilingual materials,
- Sponsorship of RIF’s special literacy programs, and
- Workplace giving campaigns.
Click here for more information, and or contact RIF at 1-877-RIF-READ or feedback@rif.org.
If you have questions about donating were not answered on this page, please visit the Donate section of our website for more information. You can also ask the Development Office your questions about donating by sending an email to development@rif.org.
back to top
Top |
