About us

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit. We focus on disrupting the U.S. literacy crisis by bringing the joy of reading to children to create skilled readers. 

Kids holding up RIF tote bags
Amazon girl smiling at book selection table with RIF

Our Vision and Mission

Our vision: A nation of lifelong readers.

Our mission: Reading Is Fundamental works to disrupt the alarming U.S. literacy crisis by inspiring the joy of reading in children, a critical element to driving the frequency, motivation, and engagement needed to create skilled readers. We know that if we build a foundation of joy for children, then development, discovery, and opportunity follow.  

Children and smiling boy at Amazon RIF book event

Lead with joy, and opportunity follows

By bringing books and reading resources to kids, we inspire the joy of reading, sparking imaginations and possibilities that put children on a path to reading proficiency. We work with our partners to change the trajectory of the literacy crisis by ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, discover, and achieve their full potential.

Measurable impact since 1966

Our achievements are not possible without the generous support of our corporate, institutional, and government partners. Your partnership amplifies our impact on the U.S. literacy crisis.

212M

children impacted throughout all 50 states, DC, and all U.S. territories.

430M

books and reading resources distributed in person and online.

55+ Years

focused on closing equity gaps by reaching children in historically underserved communities.

An award-winning literacy nonprofit

RIF is honored to be recognized for its impact on children’s literacy.

World Literacy Awards

2025 World Literacy Foundation "Contribution to Literacy by an Organization" Award Winner

We Are Teachers

2024 We Are Teachers: Top Education Nonprofit

Excellence in Equity

2023 Excellence in Equity Awards

The Harris Poll

2018 Youth Nonprofit  Brand of the Year Harris Poll EquiTrend

Parent's Choice Awards

Parent's Choice Award 2018 Silver Medal for Literacy Central

Library of Congress

2018 David A. Rubenstein Award, Recognized for Literacy Impact by Library of Congress

PR News

2024 PRNEWS Impact Communication Awards - Education Campaign

Halo Awards

2022 Gold Halo Award with Macy's in the Best Education Initiative category

A legacy of impact and inclusion

RIF all staff group photo supporting literacy in USA
Our team

United by a passion for the literacy mission

Our leadership, Board of Directors, and National Advisory Boards bring together top executives, literacy and education experts, and literacy advocates who believe that the joy of reading is the gateway to opportunity. 

Creating brighter futures

At Reading Is Fundamental, we maximize every dollar donated with a clear strategic plan. 

Latest news and stories

Learn how we’re making a measurable impact for children in communities like yours. 

All news and stories
Alicia with students at PwC event - horizontal image
Careers at RIF

Be a champion for children’s literacy

If you believe that every child deserves to experience the joy of reading and become a skilled reader, explore a career with Reading Is Fundamental. Join a team that’s passionate about tackling the literacy crisis and creating a nation of lifelong leaders. 

RIF staff team fun with literacy careers

Reach out to RIF

Interested in helping us build a nation of lifelong readers? We welcome your feedback, ideas, and questions.

Make a gift that closes equity gaps and opens doors

Donate to RIF to ensure that every child has access to books they need to experience the joy of reading, the path to becoming a skilled reader and uncovering opportunities.

Happy kid holding up two books

An award-winning literacy nonprofit

RIF is honored to be recognized for its impact on children’s literacy.

World Literacy Awards

2025 World Literacy Foundation "Contribution to Literacy by an Organization" Award Winner

We Are Teachers

2024 We Are Teachers: Top Education Nonprofit

Excellence in Equity

2023 Excellence in Equity Awards

The Harris Poll

2018 Youth Nonprofit  Brand of the Year Harris Poll EquiTrend

Parent's Choice Awards

Parent's Choice Award 2018 Silver Medal for Literacy Central

Library of Congress

2018 David A. Rubenstein Award, Recognized for Literacy Impact by Library of Congress

PR News

2024 PRNEWS Impact Communication Awards - Education Campaign

Halo Awards

2022 Gold Halo Award with Macy's in the Best Education Initiative category

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