3 reasons to apply for Philly Book Wish’s $5,000 diverse book grant

Diverse books have the power to transform lives, shaping how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Philly Book Wish, an initiative born from a partnership between the William Penn Foundation, First Book, Philly Book Bank, and Read by 4th, offers an extraordinary opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in brand-new, diverse children’s books. These books not only celebrate the rich diversity of our city, they are the type of stories that inspire a love of reading.

Here are three reasons you should apply: 

1. Help End Book Deserts 

For too many communities, access to quality reading materials is scarce. Philly Book Wish is dedicated to erasing these barriers by providing financial support to purchase diverse, high-quality books from First Book’s Marketplace. By bridging this gap, this grant ensures that more children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to stories that speak to their experiences and expand their horizons.

2. Representation is Power  

Books are more than stories; they are mirrors that reflect and windows that reveal. By prioritizing diversity, Philly Book Wish works to make sure all young readers see themselves reflected positively in the books they read. This representation fosters empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging—essential qualities for building inclusive communities and nurturing confident, engaged learners. And as book bans sweep our nation, this work is more important than ever. 

3. Diverse Books Drive Academic Success 

Diverse books in the classroom can positively impact students’ academic success. New research by First Book shows that classrooms enriched with diverse titles see increased student engagement and improved reading proficiency– particularly when books celebrate cultural diversity, language diversity (like with bilingual texts), and LGBTQ+ representation. 

How to Apply

Applying for the Philly Book Wish grant is straightforward. Educators, organizations, and community activists (like Reading Captains) serving low-income families in Philadelphia can apply online. Simply outline how you plan to use these diverse books to enhance educational outcomes and promote equity.

Grants range from $500 to $5,000 and awards will be announced on September 11th.

If you have questions, check out the informational webinar above.

Join Us in Empowering Young Minds

Now in its third year, Philly Book Wish has already distributed over 54,000 diverse books to more than 143 organizations, reaching over 200,000 children!

Philly Book Wish isn't just about books—it's about fostering inclusivity and building a brighter future for all of Philadelphia's children. We’re so proud to support this work and hope you apply today. 

Applications close on August 18th, 2024! 

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