Neighborhood Literacy Fund
Want to help grow strong readers in your community?
The Neighborhood Literacy Fund supports community-driven solutions to the early literacy crisis by awarding up to $2,000 for projects that help grow Philadelphia’s young readers.
The best solutions for the community come from within.
That’s why we’re partnering with literacy advocates like you to support projects that change the narrative and lives of young readers in our city.
Because reading is the key to the life our children deserve.
Application Deadline: April 22, 2026
Las solicitudes y el apoyo están disponibles en inglés y en español, y todos están invitados a postularse. Puede cambiar el idioma de nuestro sitio web a español usando el botón en la esquina inferior derecha. También puede enviarnos un correo electrónico en cualquier momento para recibir apoyo.
TIPS & RESOURCES
Whether or not you apply, here are some of our favorite resources for literacy changemakers in Philadelphia.
Come to Office Hours!
We want to make the application process as easy as possible. So you can spend your time where it counts, transforming your community. But if you have any questions, we’re here for you.
Find a time slot for one-on-one virtual support with your application. If none of the listed times work for you, email us to find another time.
Impact Summary & Past Awardees
Explore the reach of the Neighborhood Literacy Fund and its incredible past awardees. Or check out a case study to learn more about our approach.
Science of Reading 101
Watch this 20-minute overview to learn the basics of how children learn to read.
Early Literacy Essentials
This graphic shows key literacy skills children need to develop by age. Great for planning projects with impact!
Need Books?
Partners across Philly are donating free children’s books to literacy leaders across Philly.
Fiscal Sponsorship 101
Applying as an individual? Fiscal sponsorship provides an option so awards don’t impact personal finances and taxes.
Regional Foundation Center
New to nonprofit fundraising? The Regional Foundation Center is a go-to resource for building your skills. They offer in-person workshops and virtual guidance on everything from working with a fiscal sponsor to writing strong, compelling grant proposals.
Philadelphia Activities Fund
You’re doing big things. Here’s another opportunity to consider. This fund awards nonprofits small grants for projects that promote sportsmanship, the arts, and health.
INFO SESSIONS (COMING SOON)
We’re still scheduling our upcoming information sessions, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, feel free to watch a previous recording. A few details have changed, but most of the information is still relevant and a great place to start.
Need more support? Stop by our virtual Office Hours for personalized guidance, or email us to schedule a one-on-one call.
FAQs
Explore these answers to frequently asked questions about the Neighborhood Literacy Fund. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, email us.
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The Neighborhood Literacy Fund supports community-driven solutions to the early literacy crisis by awarding up to $2,000 for projects that help grow Philadelphia’s young readers
This Fund was designed and managed by members of Read by 4th, Philly’s early literacy movement. This year’s Fund is made possible by Vanguard Strong Start for Kids.
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The Neighborhood Literacy Fund seeks to support those who have faced challenges accessing traditional grant funds. Eligible applicants include both organizations and individual community members who meet all of the following criteria:
Your project is based in Philadelphia.
Your project serves children ages 0-9 (or birth through third grade) and/or their families.
Your organization’s annual operating budget does not exceed $50,000.
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Applications are due 5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications submitted after this time. We are planning to launch our next round in spring 2026 and would be happy to brainstorm with you about other possible funding sources in the meantime.
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No way! We want projects that serve the community. And in a city as wonderfully diverse as Philadelphia, that means celebrating multiple languages and cultures.
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Applicants will be notified by email by Thursday, June 4, 2026.
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Projects should take place between July 2026 and March 2027.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by June 4, 2026. Selected projects will need to return paperwork by the end of June so we can process payment. Payments will be issued the first week of July via digital direct deposit (faster) or check (slower). Most recipients can expect payment between mid-July and mid-August. Please plan accordingly to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
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No. Applicants can only submit one proposal per funding cycle.
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Applicants can choose from four award sizes: $500, $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000.
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Applications will be scored by a Selection Committee of community members and Read by 4th partners. High scoring applications will demonstrate:
Clear vision of how your project will support literacy skills
A solid plan, timeline, and team with the experience or support needed to carry it out
Focus on children and families who face barriers to literacy (such as financial hardship, limited access to books, language barriers, housing instability, or learning differences)
Strong community connections
Limited access to traditional grant funds
A thoughtful, realistic budget that aligns with your project plans
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For this round, we expect to award $40,000. Assuming most applicants will request $2,000 as in prior cycles, that will allow us to select approximately 20 projects.
It is hard to predict the number of applicants, but previous rounds have been very competitive, with selection rates often below 20%.
To maximize your chances, we encourage you to make use of the support available, such as our info session or office hours.
If your proposal is not selected, please don’t be discouraged! This is a frustrating but not uncommon experience for grant writers. All applicants will be added to our newsletter so we can stay in touch about future resources and opportunities. Please contact us if you’d like to chat further.
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Individuals not affiliated with an organization should be aware that due to IRS regulations, payments over $600 will appear on your personal tax statement as taxable income. Note that this threshold is cumulative — if you expect any additional payments from the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation in the same fiscal year (July 1–June 30), that counts toward the $600.
You have three options:
Apply at the $500 level to stay under the tax threshold
Partner with a fiscal sponsor — an organization that can receive and process funds on your behalf — and apply at any level ($500, $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000)
Apply as an individual at the $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 level if you've considered the tax implications and are comfortable moving forward
Questions? Contact Abby Thaker at thakera@freelibrary.org to discuss your situation.
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Selected projects will complete a brief Payment Information form and W-9. If you prefer electronic payment, you'll also complete a short enrollment form for the Library's digital payment system.
Once we receive your paperwork, we'll process it as quickly as possible. Per our finance department's net-30 policy, payment will be issued within 30 days via direct deposit or check.
Awards of $500 or $1,000 are paid in full upfront. Awards of $1,500 or $2,000 are paid 75% upfront, with the remaining 25% released upon receipt of your final report.
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Awardees will be asked to share how their project turned out and provide brief feedback via one of three formats: a short written summary, a phone or Zoom call with staff, or a self-recorded video reflection.
We hope to celebrate your successes and learn from your experience. And we promise to keep it short and sweet.
PARTNERS
If you're here to make a difference, we're here to support you.
The Neighborhood Literacy Fund was designed by local literacy advocates from Read by 4th, Philly’s early literacy movement. This year’s Fund is made possible by Vanguard Strong Start for Kids.
