The Philly Book Wish Program Fuels Kids’ Excitement for Reading

Background

Promoting Equity Through Access for Kids Across Philly

Access to books is critical to a child’s learning and development, and access to books that represent diverse communities, cultures, and families, is a key to unlocking curiosity, empathy, and a love of reading. High-quality, new books are expensive at retail, which often means that low-income children and their families miss out on the opportunity for equal access to the very books that engage and inspire children the most.

Millions of kids grow up never seeing their cultures and lived experiences reflected in the books they read. In a recent survey of Philly organizations focused on book access, only 26% of all books distributed between September – November 2021 reflected the culture and/or community of the children who received the books. The Philly Book Wish Program aims to increase that percentage to at least 50% on an ongoing basis, for all participating organizations. This initiative makes diverse, relevant content affordable and accessible for kids and families in Philadelphia so that more children can see themselves as heroes in the stories they read.

This collaboration exemplifies a strategy that shifts philanthropic dynamics, prioritizes coalition building for collective impact, and aligns complimentary skills and resources to maximize partnerships. Philanthropic funding doesn’t have capacity to support every disparate social sector project, but layered partnerships offer an opportunity to efficiently utilize funding dollars by breaking down competitive, grant-seeking barriers. First Book and its Philly partners are enacting a community-driven and locally focused impact plan that leans heavily on the bandwidth and systems of a national organization, while relying on local expertise and knowledge to lead the vision.

How to Engage

To be considered for a Philly Book Wish Program Grant, you must:

• Be a representative from a Title I-eligible school or an organization reaching low-income families
• Be a registered First Book member
• Be an eligible organization located in Philadelphia, PA

If not already a First Book member, sign-up now!

Check back here for more information on Round 2 of Book Wish applications, opening summer 2023. Learn more about how you can get involved with Read by 4th and Philly Book Bank or follow them on social media for updates on Round 2 opening this summer.

Round 1 Informational Webinar

To learn more about how the program works, watch the Round 1 Informational Webinar or check out the slide presentation here. Additional informational webinars will be scheduled once Round 2 applications are open. We hope to see you there!