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Early Literacy Success Community Grants


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The Early Literacy Success Initiative Community Grants is a competitive funding opportunity for eligible Community-Based Organizations serving children in Pre-K through Grade 3. The initiative supports the development of equitable, culturally and linguistically responsive early literacy opportunities by strengthening partnerships among families, communities, and schools and advancing research-aligned literacy practices. 

Through these grants, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) seeks to: 

  • Strengthen collaboration, communication, and resource sharing among schools, families, and community partners.
  • Expand access to culturally and linguistically responsive early literacy programs and services.
  • Support research-aligned literacy practices through training, coaching, and professional learning for direct service staff.
  • Promote meaningful family and caregiver engagement in children’s literacy development.
  • Align formal and informal literacy supports to create cohesive early learning experiences across home, school, and community settings.
  • Increase access to high-dosage tutoring and targeted literacy interventions grounded in evidence-based literacy instruction.

Community Grant-funded programs are designed to reflect local community strengths and needs while supporting young learners in building foundational literacy skills and long-term academic success. 

In March 2025, 13 grantees were selected as Cohort 1 for implementation during the 2025–27 biennium. ODE anticipates launching a new funding opportunity for the 2027–29 biennium, with a Request for Applications (RFA) expected to be released in early 2027.


Community Early Literacy Guidebook for Organizations

Community Early Literacy Guidebook

The Community Early Literacy Guidebook is a foundational tool for organizations implementing early literacy programs across Oregon. It outlines key domains and indicators that define program quality and effectiveness, serving as a resource to design new programs, evaluate current efforts, and engage in meaningful self-assessment. The guidebook supports continuous improvement by helping organizations identify strengths and opportunities for growth in serving children, families, and communities.

Community Early Literacy Framework

Community Early Literacy Framework

The Community Early Literacy Framework (CELF) harnesses the collective wisdom and resources to nurture a lifelong love of reading and writing in every child. This framework complements the Oregon Early Literacy Framework by focusing on the essential literacy learning that happens outside of the school day. Together, these frameworks describe a comprehensive system of support that ensures all children have the opportunity to reach their full literacy potential.

Early Literacy Framework

Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework

The Oregon Early Literacy Framework is a guiding resource for communities, families, and partners working to strengthen early literacy beyond the school setting. While developed for educators, it offers valuable insights for anyone supporting children’s literacy grounded in the science of reading. Sections 1: Student Belonging and 2: Community Partnerships are especially relevant for Community Early Literacy Grants, emphasizing inclusive learning environments and strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations.

 

Grant Program Contacts:

Krista Whitney, Education Specialist-2 Program Lead (krista.whitney@ode.oregon.gov)

Gina Kim-Le, Policy Analyst-4 Fiscal Lead (gina.kimle@ode.oregon.gov)