Literacy Champion Grants
On March 14, 2024, the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County awarded $100,000 through its 2024 Literacy Champion Grants program to 19 local organizations. The award ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. at the Central New York Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Center Community Ballroom, 431 E. Fayette St., Syracuse, New York.
"Supporting these exceptional organizations across Onondaga County is paramount in elevating literacy across all stages of life," emphasized Debbie Stack, Literacy Coalition Co-Chair. "The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County firmly believes in the transformative power of literacy, as it opens doors to endless opportunities, empowers individuals to unlock their full potential, and serves as the bedrock for a brighter future.”
“By investing in literacy, we are investing in the strength and prosperity of our community, project by project," added Stack.
The diverse award-winning grant projects align with the Literacy Coalition's core goal of promoting literacy across the lifespan. The work of grant recipients will encompass a wide range of initiatives, including adult education programs and services, early childhood literacy and development, extracurricular childhood and youth programs with a focus on summer learning, and family literacy programs and services. The full list of the grant recipients and the funded projects can be found at here.
Through initiatives such as the Literacy Champions Grants and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County remains steadfast in its commitment to collectively build and support diverse literacy initiatives throughout the Onondaga County community. The Coalition is grateful for the support of the Central New York Community Foundation Community Foundation, the County of Onondaga, City of Syracuse, the United Way of Central New York, and other donors and partners who make its literacy work possible.
The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County is composed of non-profit organizations and various stakeholders across Central New York, including the Central New York Community Foundation, the United Way of Central New York, and Onondaga County. Following a convening of over 200 community members in extensive planning sessions in 2007 and 2008, the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County was formed. Today, the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County supports a network of advocates working to achieve literacy for all. Coalition efforts include the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Adult Education Round Table, and Literacy Champion Grants, among others. The vision of the coalition is to develop resources, cultivate initiatives, and engage a thriving community where everyone reads and everyone succeeds. Learn more at onliteracy.org.
The 2024 Literacy champions grant application is Closed.
The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County invites not-for-profit organizations serving Onondaga County residents to apply for its Literacy Champion Grants for projects that align to the Coalition’s mission of achieving literacy for all. Projects that either focus directly on literacy or indirectly impact the literacy needs of adults, children, and families will be considered. The Coalition will support new projects that are seeking funding to launch or existing projects that have shown promise and need funding to expand. Grant awards do not typically exceed $10,000. Awards for events do not typically exceed $3,500. The Coalition may consider supporting other projects throughout the year, based on funding availability.
How do I apply?
Apply online. The link will be added here.
When seeking a grant, please consider the following:
Applications should be clear and concise
Projects should focus directly on literacy or indirectly impact the literacy needs of adults, children, and/or families
Projects should align with the Literacy Coalition’s mission
Projects should align with one or more of the Literacy Coalition’s goals of supporting:
Adult education programs and services, including enrollment in GED classes;
Early childhood literacy programs and services, including enrollment in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library;
Extracurricular childhood and youth programs and services, including summer learning;
Family literacy programs and services.
Who can seek a grant?
Not-for-profit organizations serving Onondaga County residents are invited to apply for the Literacy Champion Grants. If the applying organization is not an IRS recognized 501c(3) nonprofit, the applying organization must secure a fiscal sponsor.
When will awards be made?
The deadline for grant application submission will likely be early 2025. Grants are expected to be awarded by the beginning of summer 2025.
How much are the awards?
Grant awards for programs do not typically exceed $10,000. Awards for events do not typically exceed $3,500.
Are there any restrictions?
In general, the Literacy Coalition does not fund requests for:
Grants to individuals or for candidates for political office;
Grants for building or construction projects or for debt reduction or capital campaigns.
Is there any follow-up required?
Upon submission of the application each applicant must provide:
1. A detailed project/event budget;
2. An annual budget of the applying organization;
3. Proof of 501(c)3 status from the applying organization or its fiscal sponsor.
Applications will not be reviewed until the above items have been submitted to lcocgrants@gmail.com
The Literacy Coalition requires that organizations receiving awards collect and report data on the project. More guidance will be given at a mandatory meeting for all the grant recipients.