Early Childhood

• Community/nonprofit organizations, youth-serving programs, libraries, childcare/early education programs, or schools located in New Hampshire or Vermont.
• Local elementary schools must have a free/reduced lunch rate of 35% or higher; alternative narratives or data around community need are welcome including number of scholarships or subsidy data.
• At least 30 children (ages 0-5) must participate in the program.
• Do you have less than 30 children in your program? Apply here for a grant to receive 25 free books.
• Organizations with an enthusiastic and organized coordinator willing to collaborate with CLiF on planning, organizing, and communicating about your project.

We ask that your program serves at least 30 children ages 0-5. 

For licensed home-based or smaller childcare programs with less than 30 children, you can apply for a SMALL PROGRAM GRANT. Awarded grantees will receive 25 free books that will be selected by CLiF and mailed to your program to promote reading and literacy and refresh your book collection. You are also welcome to invite your children to pick out a book from the assortment to keep and bring home!

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated need

• Geographic location and CLiF grant history

• Enthusiasm, creativity, and collaboration demonstrated by staff

• Clear explanation of how the grant will benefit children and families

• Readiness and commitment to meeting program requirements

New Books = $500

• New library books for the grantee’s collection, including felt storyboards, big books, books in foreign languages, or puppets with accompanying books.

Giveaway Books = $300

• 70 new board books for children to take home and keep.

Family Engagement = $500

• Stipend for food, supplies, guest presenter, and/or activities that support onsite family literacy events.
• Incentives for families to visit the local library or read at home together (i.e. reading challenge with raffle prizes).

Family Book Bags = $200

• Themed literacy kits for children to borrow and read at home with their family.

Grantee’s Choice! Pick One = $500

• More books! This can include Yoto players; VOX books; decodable books; books in different languages; etc.
• Professional development staff training with Anna Adler on music and literacy for children ages 0-5
• Literacy related field trip (i.e. tickets to the ECHO Center to see Eric Carle exhibit)
• Literacy related guest artist, educator, author/illustrator presenter from CLiF’s list, etc.
• Creative programming ideas that link to literacy
• Additional family engagement funds

CLiF wants to support small, home-based licensed child care programs  enhance your literacy efforts with 25 free books that will be selected by CLiF and mailed to your program to promote reading and literacy and refresh your book collection. You are also welcome to invite your children to pick out a book from the assortment to keep and bring home! Your program must have under 30 children (ages 0-12) to apply for this grant as you will not be eligible for the standard Early Childhood Literacy Grant.

You will receive notification if you have been selected by November 1, 2026.

Eligibility:

• Home-based, licensed child care program in VT or NH
• Serving no more than 30 children (ages 0-12)
• Must demonstrate need amongst children and families served

Apply Here