The Indigo Love of the Reading Foundation exists to ensure that all Canadian kids have access to books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading. The Literacy Fund Grant is our largest national granting program, and was created to dramatically increase literacy access for kids across the country.
How it works
Literacy Fund Grants are awarded to high-needs schools that effectively foster a culture of literacy despite limited resources. Generally, we consider a “high-needs” school to be one that is challenged by various socio-economic factors. These factors can include a higher-than-average number of students from single-parent or low-income families, a high level of transience among the student population, or a high number of students who face linguistic barriers to learning.
Every year, schools across Canada apply for this grant to increase access to books for the children and youth they serve. Applications are reviewed and scored until approximately 30 partners are selected based on need and commitment to literacy. Grants are dispersed over a three-year period. During that time, we work together to track impacts, amplify stories of change and ultimately inspire other schools, parents and communities to invest in literacy as well. Other benefits of the partnership include access to professional development opportunities, classroom resources and more!
NEW FOR 2023: Applicants can now opt-in to be considered for an Adopt a School grant as apart of the Literacy Fund Grant application process. If a school is NOT selected for a Literacy Fund Grant, and they select the “opt in to Adopt a School consideration” on the application form, the school’s application will automatically be submitted into the applicant pool for an Adopt a School grant. To learn more about this grant, click here.
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration for the Literacy Fund Grant, school applicants must:
- Receive at least 80% of their funding from the provincial or federal government
- Serve elementary age students in grades K-8
- Exhibit a strong commitment to literacy!
Please note that schools can only receive a Literacy Fund grant once. If you are not sure whether or not your school has received this grant in the past, or have any other questions on eligibility, please reach out to us at loveofreading@indigo.ca.
Application Process
We accept applications from individual schools, and community organizations who apply on behalf of one or a group of schools.
Step 1: Please take the time to review the Application Tips and FAQ to ensure you are prepared to begin your application.
Step 2: Download the application worksheet below, and take the time to draft your responses.
- Individual school application worksheet
- First Nations schools application worksheet
- Educational organizations and school boards application worksheet
Please note: This worksheet cannot be uploaded to the online portal, nor emailed to us as an official application. All responses must be entered directly into the online application form.
Step 3: When you are ready with your responses, complete and submit your application below by EOD Sunday January 15th, 2023 (11:59pm ET).
Please select this option if you are a publicly-funded school (grades K-8)
Please select this option if you are a school board, non-profit educational organization or First Nations education authority supporting a school(s) with grades K-8