SMIF seeking applications for Early Literacy grants

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for its Early Literacy Grant program. This grant is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. Nonprofit organizations working with these children and their families in SMIF’s 20-county region are encouraged to apply.

 

This funding opportunity seeks to support organizations working with children, youth and families that have been historically underserved and under-resourced due to structural inequities. Priority will be given to proposals that center children, youth and families who experience disproportionate barriers related to income, race and ethnicity, geography, language or access to culturally responsive supports.

 

Proposals that strengthen parental awareness of early literacy needs, including communication and language development, include a parent education component, offer new and creative ways to reach children, youth and families and/or collaborate with other organizations to provide literacy enhancements will also be prioritized.

 

“Birth to age eight is a critical learning time” shared Kelly Fluharty, SMIF Early Childhood vice president. “When we invest in early literacy, we invest in children’s confidence, curiosity and lifelong opportunity. How we show up for children in these earliest years shapes not only their futures, but the health and vitality of our communities. I am grateful to our partners at ABDO and Capstone for helping us strengthen our region through literacy.”

 

“Capstone’s southern Minnesota roots run deep. This community is truly something special and we’re proud to enter into our 24th year of partnership with Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation to support children’s literacy,” said Gail Beer, Capstone vice president of customer relations and operations. “Research shows that access to books is critically important in a child’s development. SMIF is making a difference for the children in our community and Capstone remains honored to be a part of it.”

 

"Donating books to the Early Literacy Grant is always a highlight of our year," said DeMar Borth, COO for ABDO. "Each book is an opportunity for a child to learn, connect and grow."

 

In 2002, Capstone helped launch the BookStart program, working with SMIF to distribute thousands of books to children in the region over a period of fifteen years. In 2018, the Early Literacy Grant was formed as a new collaborative effort between SMIF and the two Mankato-based publishing companies to put even more books into the hands of young children. SMIF has also previously partnered with both Capstone and ABDO on collectively distributing more than one hundred thousand books across the region through grants and programming.

 

Applications are due to SMIF by March 17, 2026 at 2 p.m. The book pickup dates for awarded organizations will be held on June 16, 17, 24 and 25, 2026 in Owatonna. For more information or to apply, visit www.smifoundation.org. For questions about what SMIF might fund, contact Margaret Radel, Early Childhood Project & Grants Coordinator, at 507.455.3215 or email at margaretr@smifoundation.org.