[See press coverage of the new grant via the Bennington Banner, Vermont Journal, Caledonian Record and Times Argus.]
CLiF is pleased to announce the launch of our new Early Childhood Literacy Grant, created to expand equitable access to early literacy opportunities for young learners ages 0–5 in Vermont and New Hampshire.
For the inaugural 2025–2026 program year, CLiF has selected eight partner sites across both states. Each partner will receive $2,500 in books, event funds and literacy resources to strengthen early learning and family engagement.
“CLiF is expanding its investment in early childhood programming to more effectively reach children at a crucial age, when language and imagination are just beginning to take root,” said CLiF Executive Director Laura Rice. “Every child deserves the chance to discover joy and confidence through literacy, no matter where they live or what resources their family has.”
This pilot grant supports family centers, preschools, libraries and community organizations committed to promoting equitable literacy access for children 0–5. The program aims to increase parent engagement, boost early literacy learning and provide skill-building opportunities for both staff and families.
Each grant partner will receive:
- New books for onsite collections
- New books for children to choose and keep
- Funds for family engagement activities
- Literacy backpack kits for program use
- $500 for literacy-related programming, professional development, field trips, or activities
“We’re excited to focus on the many ways that CLiF can support our littlest learners,” said CLiF Program Manager Cassie Willner. “From small rural libraries to multi-site child care centers, our grant cohort represents a diverse cross-section of partners committed to literacy and quality.”
One inaugural partner, NEKCA Family Resource Center at Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, VT, plans to host a literacy fair celebrating early literacy and the joy of reading together as a family.
“Early exposure to books and language builds the foundation for lifelong learning, strengthens parent-child connections, and supports school readiness,” said NEKCA Program Director Heather Lytle. “This event will highlight fun, engaging ways to promote literacy at home through storytelling, hands-on activities, and community resources.”
2025–2026 CLiF Early Childhood Literacy Grant Partners:
- Claremont Learning Partnership – Claremont, NH
- NEKCA Family Resource Center at Lyndon Institute – Lyndon Center, VT
- ONE Arts Center – Burlington, VT
- Rise for Baby and Family – Keene, NH
- Rochester Child Care Center – Rochester, NH
- Solomon Wright Public Library – Pownal, VT
- Springfield Area Parent Child Center – North Springfield, VT
- William D. Weeks Memorial Library – Lancaster, NH
