On July 30, 2024, education advocates, civic leaders, and Read by 4th partners gathered in University City to honor and celebrate the organizations, parents, caregivers and volunteers behind The Neighborhood Literacy Fund. 

The fund was designed by Read by 4th, Philadelphia’s early literacy movement which seeks to address the city’s early literacy crisis. According to Elevate 215 and the PA Department of Education, 71% of Philadelphia fourth graders struggled with reading in 2022.

Using trust-based and participatory grant-making models, the Neighborhood Literacy Fund is working to rewrite Philadelphia’s literacy story by awarding up to $2,000 for community-driven projects that help grow Philadelphia’s young readers.

Over the past two years, more than $81,000 has been awarded to 44 different projects, with 75% of awardees identifying as people of color.

Funding for the initiative is provided by Vanguard Strong Start for Kids, The Allen Hilles Fund, and the Vert Field of Interest Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation.

Learn more about The Neighborhood Literacy Fund and its impact.