Dollar General Literacy Foundation now accepting grant applications

According to the DOJ, “the link between academic failure and delinquency, violence and crime is welded to reading failure.” Over 70% of inmates in America’s prisons cannot read above a fourth grade level

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has opened grant applications for programs aimed at enhancing adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the communities that Dollar General stores serve.

“For more than 26 years, the Foundation has invested in efforts to increase access to educational programming and that enhance literacy and basic education instruction in the communities we call home,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer and Dollar General Literacy Foundation board member.

Since its founding in 1993,” Vasos continued, “the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has provided more than $172 million to organizations, supporting more than 11 million individuals in their literacy journeys. We look forward to continuing our strong support of literacy programs in 2020.”

Eligibility and Deadlines

Schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store, distribution center or the corporate office are eligible to apply.

The deadline to apply for an adult, family or summer reading grant is February 20, 2020, and grant recipients will be announced on May 14, 2020. The Foundation will begin accepting applications for its youth literacy grant program on February 27, 2020.

What Kind of Programs Will Be Considered for Funding?

#1 Adult Literacy Grants

Funding is provided to organizations that provide direct services to adults in need of literacy assistance in one of the following areas:

  • Adult basic education
  • GED or high school equivalency preparation
  • English language acquisition

#2 Family Literacy Grants

Nonprofit organizations that support the whole family in literacy are encouraged to apply if they provide the following support:

  • Adult education instruction
  • Children’s education
  • Parent and Child Together Time (PACT)

#3 Summer Reading Grants

Summer reading grants support the creation or expansion of summer reading programs. Local nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries are eligible to apply if their programs meet the following criteria:

  • Target Pre-K – 12th grade students
  • Target below grade level readers
  • Assist readers with learning disabilities

Interested applicants may find more information or begin the application process by visiting www.dgliteracy.org.

About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $172 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 11 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores, distribution centers or corporate office.