Georgia Reads Community Award Application

This award is designed to recognize the importance of community approaches that involve meaningful partnerships in achieving literacy goals. Evaluation criteria will include, but not limited to, the strength and organization of the community partnership, innovation of evidence-based community literacy approaches, sustainability, and measures of success. The award, unlike a grant, will recognize progress already made in literacy improvements in the last three to five years. In 2025, ten communities will be chosen for recognition and a $25,000 award.

How is Community Partnership Defined?

An eligible community partnership must have at least three years of documented, meaningful involvement of two or more organizations.  This is not a grant for new partnership development but is an award for past partnership achievements.

Examples:

• Literacy for Learning, Living, and Leading in Georgia (L4GA) Communities
• School Systems with Community Partnerships
• Certified Literate Community Programs (CLCP)
• Mayor of City Sponsored Partnerships
• Family Connection Collaboratives
• Get Georgia Reading Campaign Communities
• Chambers of Commerce, United Ways, and School Systems

Note – A lead contact person and fiscal entity will need to be identified for the purpose of submitting the application and receiving the funds.

What Will Georgia Reads Community Award Include?

1. $25,000 to continue and extend work in literacy improvements and provide for an external evaluation one year after award recognition
2. Georgia Reads Coach Malcolm Mitchell’s recognition of the award with a community engagement activity and visit 
3. Up to 1000 books, Hey Georgia, authored by Malcolm and distributed to students in the lowest performing elementary school designated by the partnership during Malcolm’s visit

Important Dates

• Applications are due by 5 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
• Winning partners will be notified by January 15, 2025.
• Georgia Reads Communities will be recognized at the State Capitol in February 2025 (specific date TBD).
• Malcolm Mitchell visits with Georgia Reads Communities in March and April 2025.

Submission Instructions

1. Complete applications are limited to ten (10) pages, 11 pt. Calibri font, and double-spaced. Any application not in compliance with the above-referenced criteria will result in disqualification.
2. Complete the budget sheet, outlining how your organization plans to use the award. The budget should include $5000 for the post-year evaluation.
3. Complete application and budget should be submitted as one document and emailed to [email protected].
4. Deadline for application submission is 5 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Any applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
5. Applicants selected to receive the award will be notified by January 15, 2025.
6. All questions, comments, or concerns can be emailed to [email protected].