Today, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy nonprofit, announces the distribution of $50,000 in literacy grants to 24 RIF programs across the U.S. through a partnership with Pine-Sol. The grants will be used to purchase new books for underserved children in RIF programs to keep as their own.

In March, a study commissioned by Pine-Sol concluded a clean-smelling house can be a factor in students’ higher grade point averages. In response to this finding, Pine-Sol teamed up with RIF, donating $50,000 to help children gain access to the books they need to achieve. In addition, Pine-Sol hosted a “Like” campaign on the brand’s Facebook page to create awareness of the partnership.

“We are thankful to Pine-Sol for their generous support of our mission,” said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "Their support comes at a critical time when more children and families are in need of our services. Each of the books purchased through this donation will open a door to a wider world of experiences and possibilities for the children who receive them. We know that these seeds of inspiration lead to greater success in school and life.”

Earlier this year, Congress eliminated $25 million in federal funding for RIF, representing nearly 80% of the organization’s operating revenue. As a result of this deep cut, RIF is now wholly dependent on support from private sources to run their book distribution program at previous levels — giving 4 million children and 15 million books annually. RIF continues to pursue opportunities to compete for federal funds approved by Congress for support of literacy services. Alongside this important effort, RIF is leading the charge to unite thousands of volunteers, community partners, donors and former RIF Kids across the nation through the Book People Unite campaign. To learn more about this initiative, visit www.rif.org/bookpeople.

About Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF)
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF’s website at www.rif.org.

Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provides 4.5 million children with 16 million new, free books and literacy resources each year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.

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