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In addition to the literacy support the Literary Society of the Southwest can provide through core gifts earmarked in the budget, the annual Literacy Grant Challenge (LGC) helps exponentially expand our grantmaking capacity. The LGC funding amplifies our collective impact where it’s needed most—by supporting literacy programs in Arizona. All Literacy Grant Challenge donations – 100% – go directly to carefully vetted community programs after a thoughtful, thorough application and reporting process.The annual Literacy Grant Challenge is held each season from October to December. During this time, our members become directly involved in community advocacy by enthusiastically providing financial support to nonprofit organizations working to improve reading access and outcomes across Arizona.
Between 2020-2025, when we became an all-volunteer, Board-operated organization, the Literary Society has significantly expanded our grantmaking, awarding $379,975 in grants to local non-profit literacy programs from net proceeds of memberships and donations. This spring, the Literary Society will award $190,000 in grants to nonprofit literacy programs. The Spring 2026 Grantees will be announced at our April luncheons.
Giving to the Literacy Grant Challenge invests in Arizona's children and youth's academic and life success, as well as their emotional and intellectual development. Children who struggle with reading proficiency by third grade dramatically limit their education options, employment, and income potential, continuing the cycle of illiteracy.
Arizona's children are alarmingly behind, with only 39% of third-graders reading at grade level, while the state goal is 72%. Three out of every four fourth graders in Arizona cannot read proficiently. Only Nevada, Alaska, and Washington, D.C. have lower National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading score percentages. There is an urgent need for improvement.
Literary Society of the SouthwestMISSIONCelebrate contemporary literature and authors and promote the cause of literacy in Arizona. VISIONBring the joy and lifelong benefits of reading to all!
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