Year of the Book Grant

Up to $25,000 in Literacy Support for Your School

CLiF’s flagship grant program is an intensive, academic year-plus partnership designed to support students, educators, and families in public elementary schools across New Hampshire and Vermont. Through a combination of literacy programming, professional support, and access to high-quality children’s books, the program helps schools build and sustain a culture of literacy.

Each Year of the Book partnership provides over $25,000 in literacy support and new books. We prioritize schools that serve a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch and students performing below proficiency in reading and writing. Since its launch in 2011, CLiF has partnered with 155 public elementary schools.

Meet Our 2026-27 Year of the Book Schools

Kids reading at a literacy event themed "Year of the Book" with a colorful banner.

Two people discuss artwork displayed on a wall in a community center.

A colorful eye illustration with the words "POETS SURPRISE!" beneath it.

A woman laughs while holding a child, surrounded by smiling people at a gathering.

Child reading a book at a table filled with colorful children's books.

Activities and Support Include

Over $25,000 in literacy programming and books delivered over two years

A wide range of literacy-focused programs during the school year, along with additional supports

New, high-quality children’s books for every student to keep, with opportunities to choose from hundreds of engaging titles

Continued programming in the subsequent academic year to sustain a focus on literacy

A child reads from a paper, smiling, while an adult and another child listen attentively.

Community event in a hall with attendees seated, listening to a speaker at a podium.

Children's art display featuring colorful drawings and collages about their rooms and activities.

A boy smiles while drawing at a table surrounded by adults and other children.

Children participate in an event, taking turns speaking with an adult on stage.

Goals for Year of the Book

Strengthen and supplement schools’ existing literacy efforts
Encourage enthusiasm for reading among students from preK through grade 6
Inspire children to read and write for pleasure
Support educators’ literacy curricula and creative, cross-disciplinary instruction
Ensure every child has a meaningful collection of books at home
Build stronger connections between schools and local public libraries
Increase family engagement in children’s literacy and reading at home

Grant Eligibility Requirements

Public schools located in New Hampshire or Vermont may apply.

To be eligible, schools must:

Serve students in grades preK–6
- Middle schools may apply for grades 5–6
Have at least 35% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch*
Have at least 30% of students scoring below proficient in reading and writing assessments

*Schools slightly below the 35% threshold may still apply if they can explain challenges related to data collection or community circumstances. CLiF recognizes that need may not always be fully reflected in reported percentages.

Applications are evaluated based on:

Demonstrated need, including free/reduced lunch data, literacy assessment results, and written responses
Geographic location and CLiF grant history
Enthusiasm, creativity, and collaboration demonstrated by school staff
Clear explanation of how the grant will benefit students and families
Readiness and commitment to meeting program requirements

Have Any Questions?

For questions about eligibility, the application process, or technical support, please contact CLiF Program Manager Cassie Willner at cassie@clifonline.org.

Application Timeline

The 2027-28 Year of the Book grant application will open in January 2027.

Grant Overview