Celebrating Harry Potter’s Birthday and the Magic of Reading + 10 Literature Grants

I remember when I read Harry Potter for the first time in middle school. The story instantly transported me to a world of adventure and magic unlike any other. I was hooked. And before I knew it, I had read all seven of books in the series. This was just the beginning of my love for reading, which eventually developed into an enthusiasm for learning and creativity.

According to a recent survey by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the number of U.S. children ages 9 to 13 who read for fun daily is at the lowest it has been since the mid-1980s. In addition, the Literacy Project notes that 65% of America’s fourth-graders are not proficient readers. This organization also states that 61% of low-income families have no children’s books in their homes.

This is disappointing because reading can be so important for a child’s development. It was a big part of my life, and I know it can be for many other children if they had the right resources and support.

The Importance of Reading

Literature is crucial for children, as it can spark an interest in language and vocabulary. Reading is also important for improving children’s imaginations and critical thinking skills. According to the Literacy Project, children’s books contain 50 percent more words than one would hear during a typical conversation or a segment on the TV or radio.

Reading is the stepping stone for a child’s success. This is why it is imperative that all children have access to books and the skills to read them. Therefore, in celebration of Harry Potter’s birthday on July 31, I want to share 10 of my favorite literature grants from GrantWatch.com. I believe in the power of reading, and I want all children to have equal access to literary adventures. GrantWatch has grants listed for libraries, bookstores, and teachers, as well as book donations and grants for authors of children’s books.

10 Literature Grants in Honor of Harry Potter’s Birthday

1. Grants of up to $3,000 are available to nonprofits, public schools, and libraries to purchase books for mobile lending libraries serving underrepresented children. Funding is available to purchase fiction and nonfiction books geared for children and youth from preschool through 8th grade.
2. In-kind grants of new children’s books are open to public and tribal libraries in rural areas. Recipients will be able to choose from a list of over 500 high-quality hardcover children’s books.
3. There are also in-kind donations of books for nonprofits to benefit children from underserved and low-income backgrounds.
4. Awards of $3,000 are available to authors and illustrators to recognize emerging talent in children’s literature.
5. Libraries in rural areas impacted by natural disasters will receive in-kind donations of new books, valued at $800. Eligible libraries are those intending to rebuild or enhance their children’s departments.
6. Additionally, donations of books are available to nonprofits, schools, academic institutions, museums, libraries, and local, state, and federal government agencies to build library collections.
7. Grants are also available for book donations to provide underserved communities with reading material.
8. In addition, there are grants of up to $2,000 for bookstore and comic shop employees for financial assistance.
9. Funding of up to $200 is available to K-3 educators for professional development in the area of early literacy. Grant funds may be used to defray the costs associated with attending reading conferences.
10. Grants are available to Pennsylvania and New Jersey nonprofit organizations to promote literacy for underserved K-12 youth in eligible communities.

GrantNews Notes

Looking for more grants like these? GrantWatch features an entire grant category specific to literacy & libraries. Additionally, GrantWatch has grant categories for children and for teachers.

Also, make sure to give your organization the gift of GrantWatch this summer! Sign up to be a paid subscriber and you’ll receive access to more than 8,000 grants for nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals. This includes full eligibility criteria, contact information for grant funders, and application links.