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Doubling Impact for Young Readers: Inside RIF’s Annual Matching Grant Program

Every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading. But in many under-resourced communities, access to high-quality and culturally rich books is limited. At Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), we believe that changing this reality starts with strong local partnerships—and that’s exactly why our annual Matching Grant Program exists. 

In this blog, you'll learn what the program is, who can apply, and how it helps communities bring more books and literacy resources to children who need them most. 

What Is RIF’s Matching Grant Program? 

RIF’s Matching Grant Program is a powerful way for schools, libraries, and youth-serving organizations to double their impact. When a local partner raises funds to support children’s literacy, RIF matches 100% of those dollars, turning this amount into twice as many books and literacy resources. 

Why Matching Matters 

A 1:1 match means: 

  • More books in children's hands
  • Expanded literacy programming
  • Sustainable, long-term literacy partnerships
  • Greater community involvement and innovation 

This model builds capacity for communities, helping them to maximize their resources while working toward one shared goal: helping all children read, learn, and grow. 

Why RIF Offers This Program 

Since 1966, RIF has focused on supporting children in under-resourced communities by working directly with local partners. We believe: 

  • Children should see themselves reflected in the books they read.
  • Rich stories help young readers understand the world and each other.
  • Access to both print and digital books opens doors to lifelong learning. 

Through the Matching Grant Program, RIF strengthens literacy ecosystems and enables local educators, librarians and youth-serving organizations to customize solutions that work for their unique communities. 

Who Is Eligible to Apply? 

The Matching Grant Program is open to a wide range of organizations serving children from birth through grade 12 in the United States. 

Eligible applicants include: 

  • School districts and individual schools
  • Public libraries
  • Community-based organizations
  • Civic organizations
  • Youth-serving nonprofits and programs 

If your organization is working to improve access to books and reading experiences, you may qualify. 

What the Matching Grant Provides 

When approved, partners receive: 

1. Dollar-for-Dollar Book Award in the RIF Bookstore or Skybrary Subscription 

RIF matches every dollar raised locally, making grant awards in the form of RIF Bookstore allocations and/or Skybrary eBook access, doubling the ability to access 

  • High-quality print books or eBooks
  • Rich and culturally responsive titles
  • Digital reading resources 

2. Access to RIF Literacy Tools 

Partners can also take advantage of RIF’s free literacy resources, such as: 

  • Classroom and family reading activities
  • Book selection support
  • Digital reading platforms
  • Engagement tools for students and educators 

3. Support for Local Innovation 

Communities can design literacy programs that reflect their needs—whether that means school-wide book distributions, family literacy nights, classroom libraries, or summer reading initiatives. 

How the Matching Grant Program Creates Lasting Change 

The program goes beyond a one-time book award. It helps communities build a long-term, sustainable approach to literacy by: 

  • Strengthening local partnerships among schools, families, and youth organizations
  • Increasing equity of access to rich, high-quality books
  • Boosting reading motivation and engagement
  • Creating a culture of literacy that grows year after year 

When communities invest in reading, children gain the opportunity to explore new worlds, imagine new futures, and develop the skills they need for success. 

How to Apply for RIF’s Matching Grant Program 

Applying is simple. Interested organizations can review program details and start their application online. 

Steps to get started: 

  1. Visit the Matching Grant Program page
  2. Applications will open February 23, 2026 and close March 9, 2026
  3. Review eligibility and program guidelines
  4. Submit an online application describing the literacy need in your community; your proposed programming aligned to any of RIF’s three core program models, the source of your local matching funds, and plan for long-term sustainability.
  5. If awarded, RIF will match your local funding 1:1 and make an award in the form of a book allocation in the RIF Bookstore or Skybrary access and guide you through program implementation. 

The application process is designed to be accessible and supportive for organizations of all sizes. 

Why Your Community Should Apply 

If your school, library, or organization is looking for ways to: 

  • Increase access to culturally rich books
  • Support struggling or emerging readers
  • Engage families in literacy
  • Strengthen community partnerships
  • Make a measurable difference in reading outcomes 

…then the Matching Grant Program is a powerful opportunity. 

With RIF’s support, you can double your resources and create meaningful, lasting change for the children you serve. 

Join Us in Empowering Young Readers 

At RIF, we believe that every child deserves a future filled with possibility—and that future begins with reading. Our Matching Grant Program is just one of the ways we work with communities nationwide to ensure children have the tools and stories they need to thrive. 

Ready to bring more books into the hands of kids who need them most? 

Explore the Matching Grant Program today and take the first step toward doubling your community’s impact. 

Learn more and apply here today.