Activities and Support

CLiF works closely with organizations such as Hunger Free Vermont, New Hampshire Department of Education, and the New Hampshire Bureau of Nutrition Programs and Services to identify nutrition programs, summer camps, and other organizations that serve kids at risk of experiencing the summer slide.

The Summer Readers grant offers a CLiF presenter who will tell stories, read aloud from books, and share their love of words, reading, and writing. Every child who participates chooses two books to keep from a wide selection of brand-new children’s books.

We Let Children Choose Their Books!

CLiF finds that when children choose their own books, they’re more excited about reading and more likely to read for pleasure. A study by the International Literacy Association found 80% of students say the books they enjoy the most are the ones they choose themselves.

To Apply

Summer Readers 2025 Application

Applications are due by Wednesday, May 14. We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible to have a better chance of receiving programming and to enjoy greater scheduling flexibility.  

An organization, program, camp, library or facility must meet these requirements to apply for CLiF’s Summer Readers program:

• Based in Vermont or New Hampshire
• Active during the summer months
• Serve children between birth and age 12
• Minimum 35% of children served qualify for free and reduced lunch, reduced program tuition, or a camp scholarship
• Able to gather at least 25 children either in-person or virtually for a storytelling event

Note: there is no holdover or waiting period on this grant. Return grantees are encouraged to apply.