Adult Volunteer Literacy Grant Program Illinois State Library
Grant projects provide instruction to help adults who read below the ninth grade level or speak English at a beginning level to improve their basic reading, writing, math, or English language proficiency. Services are provided through the use of trained, unpaid volunteer tutors.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased skills in reading, writing, math and/or English language.
- Increased knowledge of civic responsibilities (e.g., voting, using the public library).
- Increased ability of the volunteer tutors to provide effective adult literacy instruction.
Application and Forms
The Adult Literacy grant applications are being offered in advance of the provision of the state budget. The Illinois State Library makes these grant applications available so that award notification may be released when legislative and gubernatorial approval of the appropriation is made. Obligations to fund this grant program will cease immediately without penalty or further payment being required if the Illinois General Assembly or the federal funding source fails to appropriate or otherwise make available sufficient funds.
- Application Due February 1. Requests of up to $100,000 will be considered.
- Financial Management Guidelines and Instructions (Adult Literacy Program Administrative Manual, p. 20)
- Grant Reviewer's Scoring Rubric
- Instructions for Completing Fillable PDF Grant Forms
- Library Data Entry Guidelines
- Reporting Forms
Supporting Documentation
At least three letters of support are required. Submitting agencies must secure a statement (letter of support) from participating agencies detailing their significant responsibilities to the literacy project. Each letter should describe their cooperation, coordination, and services to the project and include the signatures of organization representatives.
If the submitting agency is a not-for-profit entity, attach a copy of the Internal Revenue Service Tax Ruling on Determination Letter.
Informational Webinars
Adult Volunteer Literacy grant informational webinars are recommended for all Illinois Secretary of State funded Adult Volunteer Literacy grantees or any agency interested in applying for the program.
- Adult Volunteer Literacy Grant Information Webinar Recorded December 1, 2017.**
- Adult Volunteer Literacy New Grantee Orientation Recorded August 29, 2018.
**Please note: The maximum award amount has changed since the time of this recording. Applicants may request up to $100,000.
Eligibility and Program Requirements
Applicant Eligibility Requirements- Eligible applicants include public libraries or adult educational agencies.
- For-profit educational entities are ineligible to apply.
- Adults who are 17 years of age or older and not enrolled in school.
- Function below the 9th grade level or student performance level 7 in English proficiency.
- Instruction in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and/or English as a Second Language (ESL) by trained, unpaid volunteer tutors.
- At least 50 enrolled eligible program participants are required.
- Educational skills assessment for participants.
- Volunteer tutor training and volunteer tutor training management.
- GED instruction is not allowed.
- Instruction by paid teachers is not allowed.
Funding
Public funds awarded under this grant range up to $100,000 with first year grants not exceeding $25,000. Only one project is allowed.
Allowable Costs- Personnel
- Contractual
- Travel
- Library and instructional materials (print and non-print)
- Supplies, postage, and printing
- Administrative and facility cost not to exceed 10% of total grant request
- Instructor’s wages
- Equipment
- Food
- Furnishings
- Student or Volunteer Transportation
- Volunteer stipends
- Out-of-state travel
- Promotional items
- Background checks
Questions?
For more information about Adult Volunteer Literacy grants, please call 217-785-6921 or email literacy@ilsos.net.
Adult Volunteer Literacy grants are funded in part using Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.