SMIF Early Literacy Grants

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded 34,639 children’s books to 73 organizations through its Early Literacy Grant Program, increasing the annual distribution by 15,000 books.

This grant supports early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books.

The following organizations were awarded Early Literacy Grants because they provide outstanding early literacy opportunities for young children and their families:

• Goodhue County Education District Birth-3 Program

• Goodhue County Health and Human Services

• Goodhue Public Schools

• Lake City Public Schools

• Red Wing Public Schools

·      Wabasha-Kellogg Public Schools

• Wabasha County Social Services

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Award recipients were provided with a selection of titles donated by the publishing companies, including bilingual- and Early Childhood-appropriate books.

The organizations will incorporate the books into their programs and events where young children will receive books to take home and keep.