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 23, 2025
Application opens March 3, 2025!
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. And contact us if you want to schedule in-person or Spanish office hours.
Before you apply, take a look at the application questions to make sure the Neighborhood Literacy Fund is the right fit for you. For transparency, we’re also sharing our scoring rubric—so you know exactly what we’re looking for.
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.
Introduction to Proposal Writing
Watch the Regional Foundation Center share tips for writing a winning application.
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
Want to learn more about the Neighborhood Literacy Fund? Join us for a conversation about our mission, the application process, and what to expect.
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.
-
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 and The Allen Hilles Fund.
-
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 at least one of the following criteria:
Applicants with an annual operating budget below $100,000.
Applicants with budgets larger than $100,000 that can demonstrate limited access to traditional grant funds (for example: early childhood education providers).
While applicants may live outside of city limits, we’re looking for community-driven ideas. So if you’re not a resident, a close relationship with the community you’re serving is a must.
-
Applications are due 5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
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.
-
Yes. The urgency of Philly’s literacy crisis needs targeted investment. But note that literacy skills can be supported through art, music, and other means.
-
All projects must directly impact children and families in Philadelphia.
-
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.
-
Applicants will be notified by email by Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
-
Projects should take place between mid July 2026 and early January 2026.
Applicants will be notified by email by Wednesday, June 4, 2025. We recommend that projects begin no earlier than mid July to ample time for payment processing and avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
Projects should be completed by early January 2026, as we will ask you to submit a Final Report describing how it went by mid January.
-
No. Applicants can only submit one proposal per funding cycle.
-
Applicants can choose from four award sizes: $500, $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000.
-
Check out a preview here.
-
Applications will be scored by a Selection Committee composed of Read by 4th partners using a collaboratively developed scoring rubric.
High scoring applicants will demonstrate strong community connections, limited access to traditional grant funds, and a clear vision for how proposed activities will support literacy skills.
Although applicants from all Philadelphia zip codes are eligible and encouraged to apply, bonus points will be awarded to projects taking place in the following: 19120, 19121, 19122, 19132, 19133, 19134, 19140, 19142, 19143, 19144, 19153.
-
For this round, we expect to award $30,000. Assuming most applicants will request $2,000 as in prior cycles, that will allow us to select approximately 15 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.
-
Applicants who are planning to apply as an individual (i.e. not affiliated with an organization) should know that due to IRS regulations, payments over $600 will appear on your personal year-end tax statements as taxable income.
Individuals have three options. You may:
(1) You can apply at the $500 level. But, note that if you expect to receive any additional payments from the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation during the same fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), the $600 tax threshold is cumulative.
(2) Or, you can partner with an organization that can receive and process funds for you, so that your award does not impact your personal finances
(3) Or finally, you can still apply as an individual for $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 if you are comfortable with the tax implications.
If you have any questions, please contact Abby Thaker at thakera@freelibrary.org to discuss your individual circumstances.
-
If your project is selected, we will provide a brief Payment Information form and a blank W-9 for you to complete and send back to us. If you prefer to be paid electronically, we will provide an additional form for you to enroll in the Library’s digital payment system, called Zelle.
Once we receive your paperwork, we will turn it around as quickly as possible to our finance department. At that point, per the department’s net-30 policy, your payment will be deposited via Zelle or sent in the mail within 30 days.
If your award is $500 or $1,000, we can pay the entire amount up front. If your award is $1,500 or $2,000, we can pay 75% up front and will hold the final 25% until we receive your final report.
-
Awardees will be asked to share how their project turned out in one of three ways: short written summary brief, phone call of zoom meeting with staff, or brief self-recorded video reflection.
We hope to celebrate your successes and learn from your feedback, but since we know you’re busy we plan to keep it short and sweet.
-
No. Attending an Information Session is not required, nor will it be counted as bonus points to your application. But it’s a great way to learn more about the application process and ask questions directly.
-
Yes!
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 and The Allen Hilles Fund.
