This grant provides $500 to support literacy goals for programs and partners. Successful applicants will explain in their proposal how they will use grant components to spark interest and enthusiasm for literacy activities with the youth and families they serve.

Grantees will select one option:

• CLiF author/illustrator visit (maximum of four presentations in a single day)
• Giveaway books (maximum of 125 students)
• Classroom or library books
• Family literacy event (funds for a CLiF presenter, food, or other literacy related activities)

Eligibility

• Community/nonprofit organizations, youth-serving programs, libraries, childcare/early education centers, or schools located in New Hampshire or Vermont.
• Your application must show how you will partner with CLiF’s target audience of children ages 0-12 in under-resourced or under-represented communities.
• At least 35% of the children you serve must come from low-income families.
• At least 30 children must participate in the program, either virtually or in-person.
• Organizations with an enthusiastic and organized coordinator willing to collaborate with CLiF on planning, organizing, and communicating about your project.
• Activities must be completed within three months of the application award date.

How CLiF Will Select Grant Recipients

• Demonstrated need and excitement.
• Enthusiasm, creativity, and collaboration exhibited by the partner.
• Clear demonstration of how this grant will benefit students and their communities.
• Past CLiF grant history & geographic location.

Application Deadline

Spark grant applications are due starting on October 1, 2025 with rolling applications accepted monthly until available funds are spent. Applications will be due by the first of the month, and you will be notified of the award decision by the 15th of the same month.

Grant activities must be completed within three months of the application award date. All grantees must complete a final report within 30 days of the project’s end date.

Spark Grant Application, 2025-26