Grants
First Literacy provides grants to neighborhood literacy programs to increase access to English and essential educational skills. We have awarded over $5 million in grants since 1988. Our grant process and priorities foster program innovation and effectiveness. First Literacy works with funded organizations to help them succeed so that the adults in their classes will make educational progress. In return, we expect accountability and outcomes, including:
- strong learner educational achievement
- clear indicators of progress toward program goals
In June 2011, First Literacy awarded 19 two-year grants totaling $478,000. Our grants support basic education for adults, including family literacy, literacy through high school credentials, ESOL, math, peer tutoring, counseling, child care, special projects, and computer skills. Current grant recipients are located in Brookline, Cambridge, Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Fenway, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, South Boston, and Watertown. We also support three citywide programs. Learn more about our partner programs>>
Eligibility
First Literacy will accept proposals from community-based, nonprofit organizations that operate an adult literacy/ABE program in Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, or Watertown. All applicants must have 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal agent with that status.
Grant Process
First Literacy issues a Request for Proposals every two years. The due date for funding for the 2011/2013 funding cycle has passed. Along with the Request for Proposals, interested programs should review the following documents:
- Grant Proposal
- Program Diversity Form
- Program Information Form
- Budget Form
- Budget Narrative
- Frequently Asked Questions
All proposals are reviewed by First Literacy staff members and the Community Advisory Council. Recommendations are forwarded to the Board's Education Committee whose members present a list of proposed grants to the full Board for final approval.
Grant Management
Grant payments

Grant payments are made after organizations reach benchmarks:
- Organizations receive 25% of their grant when they are funded.
- They receive another 25% after a successful first-year site visit.
- Organizations must complete an end of the year report utilizing qualitative and quantitative data to assess program quality and student progress. They then receive another 25% payment.
- The final payment is made if a second site visit is successful.
Site Visits

The Community Advisory Council and staff visit funded programs to meet with administrators, teachers, and students and observe classes. Commendations and Recommendations are made after each visit. Site visit reports are shared with the programs as a form of technical assistance. If programs fail to act on recommendations, then the Council takes steps to insure compliance. Site Visit Form (PDF) »
