This grant provides $500 to support literacy goals. Successful applicants will select from a menu of options and explain in their proposal how they will use grant components to stimulate interest and enthusiasm for literacy activities. All CLiF former grantees are eligible to apply as long it has been at least three years since your last grant ended (2021 or earlier).

Because of the nature of this grant, we are looking for partners who can act quickly and implement activities starting in Fall 2024. The Spark grant applications will be reviewed monthly. You must submit your application by the first of the month, and you will be notified of the award decision by the 15th of the same month. Projects and events need to be completed within four months of the application date. No activities/events will be funded past June 30, 2025. 

Eligibility:

• Open to anyone who has received a CLiF grant in the past (2021 or earlier)
• Must be able to demonstrate need of a given community and population
• Must be able to impact at least 30 children from 0 to age 12 (or sixth grade)
• Projects and events need to be completed within four months of the application date

The CLiF Literacy Enrichment Grant is a flexible grant designed to make reading and writing come alive for kids. This grant is all about infusing literacy with FUN! The Literacy Enrichment Grant offers $1000 in funding that can be used for project-oriented or experiential learning opportunities that bring literacy to life. The goals of this grant are to create excitement around literacy; encourage an appreciation of alternative learning opportunities; engage with parents/caregivers around literacy; inspire children to try new things; and enrich young people’s lives with literacy. 

An organization, program, school, or library must meet these requirements to apply:

• Community/nonprofit organizations, youth-serving programs, libraries, childcare/early education centers, or schools located in New Hampshire or Vermont.
• Your project must serve a community with at least 35% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch. 
• 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 30 kids 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.
• The proposed project, event, field trip, etc. must connect directly with literacy/building engagement with reading/writing. Events must be completed by June 30, 2025.
   

How CLiF Will Select Grant Recipients

     Criteria include:

• 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

Questions should be sent to Cassie Willner, Program Manager, cassie@clifonline.org.