RIF also helps parents learn about their child's reading needs and shows them how to encourage reading in the home. RIF projects are sponsored by schools, libraries, service groups, and other organizations. RIF staff shows local communities how to promote child literacy and bring parents into the program. Local projects choose and order a wide variety of books that will appeal to children and that are appropriate for their age level. The books are ordered from a nationwide list of book suppliers with whom RIF headquarters negotiates substantial discounts on childrens books.
Local volunteers raise funds for their projects.
At RIF headquarters, staff solicit contributions from national foundations and corporations and divide grants among local projects. Many RIF projects receive federal matching book funds through RIFs contract with the U.S. Department of Education. Literacy is a key ingredient in meeting these challenges as one people. Yet there are about 27 million adults who lack the most fundamental skills necessary to survive and succeed in our society. The link between literacy and earning power is strong.