Year of the Book Grant Program

The Year of the Book is the flagship grant initiative of the Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy among children in underserved communities. This program focuses on schools across Vermont and New Hampshire and aims to build a sustainable culture of literacy through comprehensive programming and access to high-quality children’s literature. Since its inception, CLiF has awarded this grant to over 129 public elementary schools throughout the Twin States, showcasing its commitment to advancing literacy where the need is greatest. Each selected school receives up to $25,000 worth of literacy support over two years. This includes new children’s books for students to own and access to inspiring literacy programming throughout the academic year. Students benefit directly from access to hundreds of curated book titles and engaging reading and writing activities, while educators gain support in integrating literacy across curricula. Schools also receive a follow-up “Momentum Grant” in the subsequent grant cycle (2027–28), designed to maintain the impact of the initial investment. The program’s objectives are centered on strengthening students' enthusiasm for reading and writing, supplementing existing school literacy efforts, and involving families and local libraries in the literacy development process. The initiative seeks to ensure that every child has a personal collection of books at home and that schools actively cultivate connections between families, local public libraries, and classroom instruction. Additionally, it aims to support educators in embedding literacy into all academic disciplines and to inspire students from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade to engage with literature for both pleasure and growth. Eligibility is limited to public schools located in New Hampshire or Vermont. To qualify, schools must serve students in grades preK–6 and have at least 35% of their student population receiving free or reduced lunch and at least 30% scoring below proficient in reading and writing assessments. Middle schools may apply only for grades 5 and 6. Furthermore, the school must appoint a local grant coordinator to collaborate with CLiF throughout the planning and implementation process. A stipend of $800 is provided for this role. CLiF also accommodates schools with fewer than 100 students through a modified "small school grant" offering. Applications for the 2026–27 cohort open on January 1, 2026, and must be submitted via the Submittable online platform no later than March 15, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by April 1, 2026. The application requires statements of support from the school principal, the local public library, and the school librarian if available. Additional documentation highlighting the school’s literacy needs and creative implementation plans is encouraged. Finalists may be asked to submit a one-page statement summarizing their commitment to the program. Following award notification, recipient schools are expected to complete specific preparatory activities by the end of the 2025–26 academic year. These include naming a grant coordinator, forming an advisory committee, participating in a kickoff planning meeting with CLiF staff, and attending the CLiF Community Literacy Conference on March 26, 2026. These steps ensure that schools are prepared to launch their customized literacy programs in the fall of 2026 and sustain momentum throughout the grant period.

Show how your school creatively integrates literacy and demonstrates clear need.