2018 Library of Congress Literacy Awards Call for Applications
Created and supported by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, the Literacy Awards Program is designed to broaden and stimulate public understanding of the essential role of literacy in all aspects of society. Organizations may submit applications for one of three major prizes: the David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000), the American Prize ($50,000) and the International Prize ($50,000). Applications in all categories will also be considered for Best Practice awards of $5,000 each.
Find more information about the awards and prizes below. Please click here for more details on application materials.
About the Library of Congress Literacy Awards
The Library’s mission is to provide Congress, the federal government and the American people with a rich, diverse and enduring source of knowledge that can be relied upon to support their intellectual and creative endeavors. Through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards program furthers this mission by honoring organizations that have made outstanding contributions to increasing literacy in the United States or abroad. The awards also encourage the continuing development of innovative methods for promoting literacy and the wide dissemination of the most effective practices. They are intended to draw public attention to the importance of literacy, and the need to promote literacy and encourage reading.
Since 2013, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program has awarded $1.4 million in prizes to 66 institutions in 30 countries. By recognizing current achievements, the awards seek to enable organizations, foundations and other private sector groups to strengthen their involvement in literacy and reading promotion and to encourage collaboration with like-minded organizations.
Prizes
The David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000) is awarded for an outstanding and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels to an organization based either inside or outside the United States that has demonstrated exceptional and sustained depth in its commitment to the advancement of literacy.
The American Prize ($50,000) is awarded for a significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels or the national awareness of the importance of literacy to an organization that is based in the United States.
The International Prize ($50,000) is awarded for a significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels to an organization that is based outside the United States.
Best Practice Honorees ($5,000): Each year 12 to15 organizations that apply in the three major prize categories are recognized for their successful implementation of a specific literacy promotion practice.
