Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. prepares and motivates children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. Founded in 1966, RIF is the oldest and largest children’s and family nonprofit reading and literacy organization in the United States. RIF programs annually serve 5.1 million children of all ages, most of whom are at a risk educational failure with a focus on those from birth to age 11.

All RIF programs combine three essential elements to foster children's literacy: reading motivation, family and community involvement, and the excitement of choosing free books to keep. RIF's accomplishments are due in part to the generous support of the U.S. Department of Education, corporations, foundations, community organizations, and thousands of individuals.

RIF programs make a difference in children's lives every day through enriching activities that spark children's interest in reading — and every child involved with RIF gets to choose and keep new books, at no cost. Although RIF programs are run in a variety of communities, some of RIF's most important work occurs in communities where students are at great risk of educational failure.