Reading Everywhere Action Grants

See the School Year Action Grants for 2024-2025

School is back in session, and it’s the perfect time to spark a love for reading in our community! The Oakland Literacy Coalition (OLC) awards Action Grants in two cycles. The program is designed to bring the magic of books and literacy to life for Oakland youth ages 0-18. If you’re planning a program or event that incorporates reading, we want to help make your vision a reality. Whether you’re an individual literacy champion, a community organization, a faith-based group, or a cultural collective, we invite you to apply for an Action Grant and join us in promoting literacy throughout Oakland. Download Action Grant Guidelines

The Power of Community Literacy Champions

Literacy is more than just reading; it’s the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. The OLC promotes the joy of reading by providing grant funds and books to anyone working with youth outside of school time – we envision an Oakland where students are reading not only at school, but all through their day – on the bus, at their after school program, at the park, at mosque, temple or church, and at home. Community-driven literacy programs play a critical role in fostering a culture of reading and providing access to books. This school year, OLC is offering up to $250 in Action Grants to support creative and engaging literacy activities, ensuring that Oakland’s children have the chance to fall in love with reading.

What Are Action Grants?

Action Grants are designed to support innovative literacy projects that engage children from preschool through high school in community-based (non-school) settings. We provide new, high-interest books for your students, and grantees can receive funds up to $250 to cover project expenses, including food, author visits, and supplies.

Examples of Past Projects:

• Family Reading Space: A housing collective designed a warm and inviting reading nook for children and families visiting the garden and healing space.
• Summer Book Clubs: A shelter held bi-weekly book club sessions for families, where adults and older children read to younger children and then everyone discussed the book.
• Early Learner STEAM Camp: sponsored family reading events during camp, where parents and their children participated in reading activities together.

These projects highlight the diverse and creative ways we can incorporate literacy into our community activities. We welcome your innovative ideas!

Who Should Apply?

• Oakland-based community organizations and faith-based groups that work with children from preschool through high school are encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from informal neighborhood or cultural groups, childcare providers and individual literacy champions.
• Remember, your organization does not need a literacy or education component to be eligible. We believe literacy happens everywhere and want to collaborate with various groups to reach kids where they are.
• We welcome projects that promote literacy in languages other than English.

Oakland-based community organizations and faith-based groups that work with children from preschool through high school are encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from informal neighborhood or cultural groups, childcare providers and individual literacy champions.

Remember, your organization does not need a literacy or education component to be eligible. We believe literacy happens everywhere and want to collaborate with various groups to reach kids where they are.

We welcome projects that promote literacy in languages other than English.

Please note that schools and school-based programs are not eligible for Action Grants.

Important Details and Dates

• Applications for the ‘24-25 school year grant cycle will be released on August 26, 2024 and can be submitted anytime until September 20, 2024 by 11:59 pm.
• Each participating student must receive at least one new book to keep. Grantees will need to come to the OLC office (2744 E 11th Street) to pick up books between October 7 – 31. We will work with you to coordinate a time for pickup.
• Projects must be completed by May 9, 2025.
• Grantees will be asked to submit a short report by May 30, 2025
• Orientation: All grantees are required to attend an online orientation the week of October 7 – 11.
• Family Engagement: Projects should directly engage students’ families or provide information on supporting reading at home. The OLC will supply a toolkit of resources.
• Application Priority: Applications with clear, compelling ideas that address students’ interests and needs will be prioritized.
• Grant amounts will be awarded based on the estimated number of students served and the project’s scope. Funds can be used for various project activities, including food and supplies. 

Apply Today

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to bring the joy of reading to your community. Apply for an OLC Action Grant and make a lasting impact on Oakland’s youth. Together, let’s ignite a love for reading and create a brighter future for our children! For any questions or additional information, feel free to reach out to us at julia@oaklandliteracycoalition.org. We can’t wait to see your creative ideas come to life!