Open Grants for Fall 2026
By Cassie Willner
It’s a busy time of year, with plenty of fall events and opportunities to consider, including four open CLiF grants! We’re actively seeking partners to help us put great books in kids’ hands, bring families together around reading, and make engaging literacy experiences more accessible to everyone.
CLiF collaborates with schools, libraries, childcare sites, and other community-based organizations to offer new books and fun, interactive programming that gets children excited about reading and writing.
To ensure that we offer our programming where it is needed most, CLiF prioritizes partnerships in under-resourced communities. All grant applicants must be based in Vermont or New Hampshire and must demonstrate need in their communities and among the populations they serve.
Here's a quick look at our grants currently open to applications:
- The Spark Grant provides $500 for a CLiF author/illustrator visit, giveaway books, classroom/library books, or family literacy event. The initial deadline is Thursday, Oct. 1, with rolling applications accepted the first of every month thereafter until available funds are spent.
- The Literacy Enrichment Grant offers up to $1000 in funding for project-oriented or experiential learning opportunities that bring literacy to life. Think fun, flexible, and creative! The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 15.
- The Early Childhood Literacy Grant provides $2000 for programs working with our youngest readers ages 0-5, including funds for family literacy events, new books, and free books for children. We also have a small grant for 25 free books for home-based childcare programs! The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 15.
- The Community Literacy Grant partners with community-based programs, out-of-school time programs, and early childhood centers to expand access to literacy outside of the classroom and create welcoming, literacy-rich environments for all. This grant includes a CLiF author/illustrator visit, free giveaway books, family literacy event, and onsite library books. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 15.
Curious to learn more about these grants? Wondering about eligibility? You'll find more details and helpful guidelines available on our website, and are always welcome to email us with questions. To stay up to date on future grant opportunities, please subscribe to our monthly E-News.