Literacy Opportunity Grant Program

The Literacy Opportunity Fund is a grant program administered by ProLiteracy, a national nonprofit organization focused on advancing adult literacy in the United States. ProLiteracy works through its support of educators, tutors, and programs that serve adult learners, aiming to improve reading, writing, math, and digital literacy skills for those who need them most. The Literacy Opportunity Fund is one of several funding opportunities offered by ProLiteracy, alongside the Mobile Learning Fund and the National Book Fund. This particular fund is made possible through the generous support of the Nora Roberts Foundation, which is known for its philanthropic investments in literacy and education-related initiatives. The primary purpose of the Literacy Opportunity Fund is to support the general operations of U.S.-based nonprofit literacy organizations that work directly with adult learners. Grants of up to $6,000 are awarded to support a wide range of operational needs, including salaries, teacher stipends, supplies, technology, equipment, and space rentals. Organizations may also use the funding to support adult literacy projects or to develop new programming. The program is intentionally broad in scope, allowing applicant organizations flexibility to address their unique needs and improve their services for adult learners. Grants are awarded four times per year, with clearly defined quarterly cycles. The application periods are June 1–July 1, September 1–October 1, December 1–January 3, and March 1–April 1. Award decisions are typically communicated by email approximately eight weeks after the respective application deadlines. For example, applications submitted by January 3 receive award notifications by March 1. If an application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is automatically extended to the next business day. This quarterly cadence allows organizations multiple opportunities throughout the year to apply for funding based on their internal timelines and program needs. To be eligible for a grant, an organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit located within the United States. Possessing a state tax exemption is not sufficient to meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, the organization must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) and must provide direct literacy services to adult learners. Programs that focus solely on book distribution or operate lending libraries without direct instruction are not considered eligible. Organizations may only receive one Literacy Opportunity Fund grant within any 12-month period, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The application process requires submission of a complete and detailed proposal through ProLiteracy’s platform. While the specific application questions are not disclosed in the source material, applicants are expected to include a 2–3 sentence summary outlining the type of literacy services provided, the population served, and how the grant funds would be used. ProLiteracy also allows applications from non-501(c)(3) organizations if they are formally sponsored by an eligible 501(c)(3), in which case the relationship must be described within the application. It is emphasized that grant applications should be thorough and clearly demonstrate how the funds will support adult literacy efforts. Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact the grants manager via email at [email protected]. General information about the organization and its other programs can be accessed via the ProLiteracy website. The fund supports organizations across the United States and prioritizes projects that directly impact adult learners. With recurring opportunities throughout the year, the Literacy Opportunity Fund is designed to be a flexible and responsive resource for literacy programs seeking support for both ongoing operations and innovative new initiatives.