Early Literacy Grants
SMIF’s Early Literacy Grant program is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. Organizations working with these children are encouraged to apply for books to be given to families to keep and read to their children. The Early Literacy Grant program receives books through partnerships with Mankato-based publishing companies, Capstone and ABDO.
This grant is closed for 2026.
Timeline
Grant opens: Feb. 17, 2026
Application due by: March 17, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Award decisions by: May 1, 2026
Book pickup dates: June 16, 17, 24 and 25, 2026 in Owatonna
Questions?
For questions contact Margaret Radel, Early Childhood Project & Grants Coordinator
Phone: 507.214.7017
Email: margaretr@smifoundation.org
How will you use SMIF’s Early Literacy Grant?
Literacy Grant Spotlight: Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Schools
Joey Arceneau started bringing his kids to the Dad and Me Read classes at the Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop (GFW) Schools when they were two years old. The program encourages dads to read with their kids – and they get to walk away with free books which are distributed through SMIF’s Early Literacy Grant Program. Minnesota Early Learning Standards dictate that the ability to read by the end of third grade is critical for future academic success.
The GFW schools have received 2,335 books from SMIF since 2006 to promote early literacy skills in children birth to age five. Tonia Schiro, who facilitates the classes at GFW schools, says the grant program has been essential for getting books into homes in Sibley County, and building children’s confidence as readers.
Early Literacy Grant Book Distribution
