Summer Reading Grants
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Help a community program keep children reading during the summer, with focused activities and reading resources.
Who can apply?
- School, public library or eligible nonprofit providing literacy services.
- Organization must be in a state served by Dollar General and within 15 miles of a store; verify the address with the funder.
- Summer reading program; consecutive-award restrictions apply.
What could it support?
Software, books, instructional materials, technology and program support are listed categories.
Ask the funder to confirm Glow, the number of learners, the license period and the purchasing method before buying. A listed expense category does not by itself approve a specific product.
Who receives your request?
Dollar General Literacy Foundation · Summer Reading review team
An authorized organization representative submits in the foundation’s portal during an open cycle. Prepare now; use the current cycle’s form when it opens.
How to submit
- Register the organization in the portal. Schools need their NCES school and district IDs; public libraries use their IMLS ID. Allow up to 48 hours for verification.
- Select Summer Reading, complete the screening questions and transfer your edited project sections into the matching application fields.
- Enter the requested budget, attach required evidence, review all answers and submit in the portal. Save the confirmation and a copy of the application.
Official sources
Key points from the provider’s guidance and the next steps for your application or purchase request.
- Program descriptions and next cycles (opens in a new tab)
Summer Reading supports new or expanded programs for Pre-K–12 children, including beginning readers, students reading below grade level and readers with learning disabilities. Schools, libraries and nonprofits can prepare for the January 2027 opening; the next deadline is not yet published.
www.dgliteracy.org - Eligibility, awards and eligible expenses (opens in a new tab)
Awards can reach $3,000 for books, software, materials, technology and program staffing. Applicants must be in a Dollar General state and within 15 miles of a store. Two consecutive awards require a year off. Check the location rule, then submit the summer program and budget in the foundation’s portal.
grantprograms.dgliteracy.org
Sources checked Oct 29, 2026. Next source review due Nov 28, 2026.