FAQs

What is CLiF’s tax ID?

Our federal tax ID (EIN) number is 02-0498154. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

What is your policy on sharing donor information?

CLiF never shares donor information, ever.

Where can I find your financial statements and budget information?

This information is included in our Annual Report, which you may review here.

Does CLiF operate in any other states?

No, CLiF only operates in New Hampshire and Vermont. Learn about our programs.

Is CLiF affiliated with any other organizations?

CLiF is not formally affiliated with any other organizations. We are an independent non-profit organization that was founded in Hanover, NH in 1998, and is now headquartered in Waterbury Center, VT. We do, however, have more than a dozen program partnerships with educational and social service organizations across the Twin States.

Do you accept donations of used books?

We do not. Brand-new books, only.

Why don’t you accept used books?

For many of the children we serve, the books they receive from CLiF may be the only books they own. It’s much more special and impactful to receive a brand-new book than a pre-owned book.

I would like to donate some brand-new children’s books, how should I go about it?

Thank you for your support! Please contact us about the details of your donation. For tips on organizing a book drive for CLiF, please click here.

Please note: CLiF only accepts brand-new, high-quality books that are appropriate for children up to age 12. We do not distribute books that have overt religious or political themes, or that are direct tie-ins to TV shows, movies, or video games.

How does one become a CLiF presenter?

CLiF works only with professional children’s books authors, children’s book illustrators, poets, and storytellers who live in New Hampshire or Vermont, and who have experience and success working with children up to age 12. If you meet these criteria and would like to be considered as a CLiF presenter please contact us.

How is CLiF funded?

Unlike many non-profits, CLiF does not receive a penny of state or federal funds. We rely entirely on support from:

Individuals and families
Social and educational organizations (e.g., churches, schools, Rotary clubs, Brownie troops)
Local companies
Foundations

Learn more about our financials and how you can help.

What are the different ways I can support CLiF?

CLiF is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. You can help us inspire young readers and writers in the following ways:

Donate to CLiF by check
Donate to CLiF by credit card
Donate securities to CLiF
Include CLiF in your planned giving
Make a gift to CLiF in honor or in memory of a friend or family member
If you live near Waterbury Center, VT and would like to help us with periodic volunteer opportunities at our office, please contact us.

There are plenty of ways you can support CLiF’s work without making a financial donation. Learn about other ways to help.

How did CLiF get started?

Executive Director Duncan McDougall and a group of educators, librarians, literacy program coordinators, storytellers and publishers founded CLiF in February, 1998 in Hanover, NH. These individuals were concerned about the high number of children who grow up with low literacy skills and wanted to do what they could to support and inspire young readers and writers across New Hampshire and Vermont. Learn more about our history.

Where is CLiF’s headquarters?

CLiF is headquartered in Waterbury Center, VT, but our work extends to every corner of the Twin States!

Who is involved in CLiF?

We have a staff of five, a Board of Directors and a Board of Advisors. There are more than 60 professional authors, illustrators, and storytellers who give CLiF presentations. Several volunteers near our office in Waterbury Center, VT help in many ways. Learn about our leadership and our presenters.

Does CLiF need volunteers?

CLiF has a handful of volunteer opportunities for individuals who live near our office in Waterbury Center, VT. If you don’t live nearby but would like to support our work you can:

Host a “living room event” in your home or other location to introduce friends to CLiF’s work.
Organize a book drive to gather new children’s books that CLiF can donate to needy young readers.
Offer to be a regular “volunteer reader” for children through one of CLiF’s partners.

Learn more about how you can help.

May I come and see CLiF in action? Are all CLiF’s events open to the public?

Almost all CLiF events are open to the public. We would love to have you join us. (Please note that some events in locations such as shelters or correctional facilities are private).

Please check our event calendar for dates, and be sure to contact us to confirm the event time and location.

How does CLiF find the communities and organizations it supports?

Some of our programs have an application process, while others are selected via recommendations and research. Often our programs are given to schools and other non-profits that hear of our work through various media. If you know of a school, library, shelter, bookmobile, affordable housing development, or other organization that could benefit from our programs, please contact us.