LITERACY NEWS February 13th, 2009 - Get Ready for the annual Celebration of Reading star-studded event to support the Family Literacy Initiative. For more information visit www.celebrationofreading.org Volunteer USA Announces Matching Funds to Help Communities Support Family Literacy Academies. Click here for more information. How can you help the Family Literacy Initiative? Please click here to learn more. For more information on our partner in Florida’s statewide reading program visit: www.justreadflorida.com Volunteer USA Foundation Announces Literacy Grants as New Academic Year Prepares to Kick-Off Volunteer USA is now offering approved Family Literacy Academies matching grant dollars to help enhance the organization’s educational initiatives. The grant dollars are tied directly to community support and could bring in as much as $47,000 for fiscal year 2010 to each Academy. “We are looking to our local communities to help give our literacy providers the boost they so critically need," said Liza McFadden, president of Volunteer USA. "This year, Florida is facing quite an economic downturn, which could negatively impact the good work being done at community-based literacy academies. They do an incredible job motivating students toward improved literacy skills. The end result – successful students will benefit from better job opportunities and the ability to build an improved quality of life for their families." To qualify for the grants, literacy academies must engage their local communities by asking residents to get involved either through volunteer hours or cash donations. Matching literacy funds will be based on donations and volunteer hours acquired by the Academy through June 30, 2009. The funds can be triggered in a variety of ways including: $15.00 paid per hour for each volunteer hour that directly supports the academy’s literacy efforts. There is a limit up to $4,000 per semester and funds are not to be used to reimburse volunteer activities in any way. Volunteer hours may include time spent providing literacy tutoring, administrative assistance such as web design or book keeping, hosting fundraising events, promotional or public relations assistance. Up to $15,000 in dollar for dollar matching funds from Volunteer USA for cash donations from new donors - individuals, private or foundations - or verification that donors increased funding over previous year to help meet this match. Donations must be made to Volunteer USA for the local nonprofit to receive matching funds and contributions of $5,000 or more will receive complimentary tickets to the Foundation’s annual star-studded Celebration of Reading event (http://www.celebrationofreading.org). Up to $4,000 in dollar matching funds from Volunteer USA for cash donations that fund scholarships for a family - or family members - in a local literacy program Designated manager of Florida Family Literacy Initiative © Copyright 2005 Florida Family Literacy Initiative All Rights Reserved Site Design and Programming by: