Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), Inc. is the nation’s oldest and largest children’s literacy organization, with programs operating nationwide in 23,000 schools, child-care centers, libraries, hospitals, clinics, migrant worker, Head Start and Even Start programs, homeless shelters, and detention centers. Through a contract with the U.S. Department of Education, RIF provides federal funds to support schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations to implement a variety of RIF initiatives. Federal funds granted to local RIF programs go directly to book suppliers selected by RIF and the local program to purchase books for distribution to the local program's population.

Reading is Fundamental in New York City

In collaboration with RIF, the NYC Department of Education provides selected schools that meet the eligibility requirements an opportunity to apply for the RIF’s flagship Books for Ownership Program. The Books for Ownership Program motivates children, families, and community members to read together by providing students with free books. During each of three book distribution periods, participating students have the opportunity to choose a book of their choice to keep as their own. Prior to the book distribution, schools engage in motivational activities that involve parent and community volunteers.

Through a contract with the United States Department of Education, National RIF provides federal funds equaling 75 percent of the total cost of the books. Typically, the 25 percent balance of the funds is provided by the local proposing agency (e.g., Parent’s Association, corporate sponsor, school funds, etc.). We are pleased to announce that in support of the Children First Initiative, the New York City Department of Education will once again serve as the local sponsor for schools selected to participate in this program.

For additional information about the New York City Department of Education RIF Books for Ownership Program, please contact:

Denise Sontag
Reading First/Reading Is Fundamental Director
(212) 374-0779 • Fax: (212) 374-5901

Barbara Jackson
Principal Administrative Associate
(212) 374-6113 • Fax: (212) 374-5901

Click here for additional information about the Reading is Fundamental organization.

About Us Academics Academic Intervention Services Arts Early Childhood English Language Learners English Language Arts Standards/Curriculum Parent Resources Educator Resources Reading First Reading Is Fundamental Fitness and Health Gifted and Talented Library Services Mathematics Science Social Studies Special Education World Languages Choices & Enrollment Schools in the Community Offices & Programs Rules & Policies Student Support, Safety, and Activities Student Performance & Accountability	Reading Is Fundamental E-mail to a friend Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), Inc. is the nation’s oldest and largest children’s literacy organization, with programs operating nationwide in 23,000 schools, child-care centers, libraries, hospitals, clinics, migrant worker, Head Start and Even Start programs, homeless shelters, and detention centers. Through a contract with the U.S. Department of Education, RIF provides federal funds to support schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations to implement a variety of RIF initiatives. Federal funds granted to local RIF programs go directly to book suppliers selected by RIF and the local program to purchase books for distribution to the local program's population. Reading is Fundamental in New York City In collaboration with RIF, the NYC Department of Education provides selected schools that meet the eligibility requirements an opportunity to apply for the RIF’s flagship Books for Ownership Program. The Books for Ownership Program motivates children, families, and community members to read together by providing students with free books. During each of three book distribution periods, participating students have the opportunity to choose a book of their choice to keep as their own. Prior to the book distribution, schools engage in motivational activities that involve parent and community volunteers. Through a contract with the United States Department of Education, National RIF provides federal funds equaling 75 percent of the total cost of the books. Typically, the 25 percent balance of the funds is provided by the local proposing agency (e.g., Parent’s Association, corporate sponsor, school funds, etc.). We are pleased to announce that in support of the Children First Initiative, the New York City Department of Education will once again serve as the local sponsor for schools selected to participate in this program. For additional information about the New York City Department of Education *RIF Books for Ownership Program*, please contact: Denise Sontag Reading First/Reading Is Fundamental Director (212) 374-0779 • Fax: (212) 374-5901 Barbara Jackson Principal Administrative Associate (212) 374-6113 • Fax: (212) 374-5901 Click here for additional information about the Reading is Fundamental organization.	Contacts Denise Sontag, Director, Reading First/Reading Is Fundamental DSontag@schools.nyc.gov Barbara Jackson, Principal Administrative Associate, Reading First/Reading Is Fundamental (212) 374-6113 BJackso@schools.nyc.gov