The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Early Literacy Grant Program is designed to support early literacy development by providing children from birth to age eight with books. The program is open to nonprofit organizations that work with children and their families, ensuring they have access to quality reading materials. The initiative is made possible through partnerships with Mankato-based publishing companies, ABDO and Capstone, which supply books for distribution.

Eligible applicants for this grant include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units or agencies of government, and public institutions. To be considered, projects must benefit communities within SMIF’s 20-county region. Books awarded through this program must be distributed within one year of the grant award date to ensure timely impact.

Priority for funding will be given to projects that serve diverse and at-risk populations, particularly those that may not have access to books through other community resources. Diverse populations may include individuals distinguished by race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or physical disability. At-risk populations may include those receiving free or reduced lunch, early childhood special education services (ECSE), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits, Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) support, or English Language Learners (ELL). Additionally, projects that enhance parental awareness of early literacy needs, incorporate a parent education component, propose creative outreach strategies, or involve collaboration with other organizations to enhance literacy efforts will be given preference.

The application process is competitive, and a completed application must be submitted through the SMIF grant portal by March 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Grant recipients will be required to submit a final report by May 15, 2026. Awarded books must be picked up from Owatonna, with specific packing arrangements communicated at the time of the award. SMIF will also make a public announcement regarding grant recipients.

Required documents for submission include a completed application and an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (if applicable). Applicants will receive confirmation of their submission via email and will be notified of funding decisions by May 1, 2025. For inquiries regarding eligible projects, applicants may contact Heidi Coulter, Early Childhood Project Manager, at 507-214-7016 or via email at heidic@smifoundation.org.