Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Read to Grow Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 53 School Ground Road, Unit 3
City: Branford
State: CT
Postal Code: 06405
Main Phone: 2034886800
Main Fax: 203-488-7735
Organization Website: www.readtogrow.org
Employer ID Number: 061572185
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/2024
Requested Amount: 5000

Project Title: Supporting early childhood literacy through Bookmobile visits
Project Description:

Read to Grow is requesting a grant to deliver free children’s books to low-income and high-needs children through two Bookmobile visits to various schools and community agencies and events across Connecticut. The grant would allow the purchase of high-quality, diverse children’s books and will fund other expenses including staff time and gas required to operate the Bookmobile. We know it is important to provide books that reflect the rich culture, interests, and reading levels of the children who receive them. “The visual and verbal messages young children absorb from books (and other media) heavily influence their ideas about themselves and others” (L. Derman-Sparks).
Since its launch in September 2022, the Bookmobile made over 110 stops across Connecticut and distributed more than 13000 books to children in their neighborhoods. The Bookmobile has been designed to engage children and families in a fun, joyful experience of book selection and reading.
We work closely with organizations that serve high-needs families across the state to identify areas where the need is significant. We know from our partners and our work in various communities across the state that there is a huge demand for high-quality, children’s books that feature diverse characters or are written by authors of color. At many Bookmobile stops, older children choose books meant for younger readers because they are behind their reading grade level. By including a variety of reading materials the Bookmobile can play a vital role in promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading. The Bookmobile aims to create a supportive and non-judgmental space where children feel encouraged to explore different types of books with confidence. Children entering the Bookmobile can each choose one book to add to their home libraries. We hope the excitement surrounding a Bookmobile visit encourages children to be excited about books.

Total Project Budget: 155,823.80

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Branford Rotary (funded); Centerville Bank Foundation (funded); Ion Bank Foundation (funded) ; Walmart Community Giving (funded) ; The Stocker Foundation (pending) ; Community Foundation of Eastern CT Norwich Grant (pending) ; Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (pending) ; Northwest CT Community Foundation (pending)

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Connecticut
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5 and elementary school children

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Shitu
Contact Last Name: Rajbhandari
Contact Title: Gratns Writer
Contact Phone: 2034886800
Contact Email: srajbhandari@readtogrow.org