Literacy, Education & EmploymentNote: the Literacy for Life Grants Program is changing. In 2023, there will be a single intake for applications, due April 1. Applicants will have the option to request up to three years of support for their project. Organizations with existing Literacy for Life grants are not required to submit a final report before the intake date.
Intergenerational literacy programs build skills and strengthen families. Literacy for Life Grants support family literacy programs in community centres and libraries across the province.
Eligibility
- Your organization must have a registered charitable number from Canada Revenue Agency to apply for a Literacy for Life Grant. (This number is required to access the online application form.) Note: First Nations Communities in Manitoba and qualified donees are eligible to apply to Literacy for Life. Please contact us for details on how to access the application form.
- You may apply for one Literacy for Life Grant per calendar year. Winnipeg organizations may apply for a Community Grant, or any special program grant, in the same year, but applications must be for different projects.
Criteria
Grants of up to $5,000 per year are available to charitable organizations across Manitoba for family literacy programming.
Please review our Literacy for Life Grants Policies & Guidelines [PDF] and read our definition of family literacy [PDF] before applying to ensure your project fits the criteria. Note: for the April 1, 2023 intake, a final report on previous Literacy for Life grants is not required before submitting a new application. If you are a first-time applicant, please contact Kerry Ryan prior to submitting your request.
Family Literacy Resources
Sources for Books
If your request includes book purchases, please consult these resources:
Training
Training is an eligible expense on your Literacy for Life budget.
- Bookmates
Bookmates offers a variety of family literacy training opportunities. You may be able to access training free of charge through your local parent child coalition. - Manitoba Parent Child Coalitions
Manitoba’s network of Parent Child Coalitions provide a variety of supports to grassroots literacy programs. Check their website to access information, resources, or find the Parent Child Coalition nearest you.
Family Literacy Information
- Winnipeg Public Library Early Literacy Info Guide
Find information on early literacy skills, brain development, book selection, and more. - Healthy Child Manitoba
This website hosts a number of reports, research and resources on early learning. - Manitoba Parent Child Coalitions
Manitoba’s network of Parent Child Coalitions provide a variety of supports to grassroots literacy programs. Check their website to access information, resources, or find the Parent Child Coalition nearest you.
Resources for Parents and Practitioners
These websites offer free resources for parents and best practice information for family literacy practitioners.
Application Due Date
- April 1, 2023, 4:30 p.m. (notification of decision in late April)
Note: If an application date falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. the next business day.
The online application form is active for approximately four weeks before the due date.
Key Documents
- Literacy for Life budget template [XLSX]
- How to Apply Online [PDF]
- Final Report [DOC]
The Literacy for Life endowment fund was established by The Winnipeg Foundation, Literacy Partners of Manitoba and Winnipeg Public Library. Learn more about Literacy for Life.
NOTE: We are gradually bringing all of our programs onto our new grant application portal. For now, this program remains on our previous portal. This button will take you to your original account.
Want to update your saved Literacy for Life application? Go to your Account
