Ending Children's Illiteracy With Their First Book

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., First Book is a charity that gives kids in need access to new books. Dedicating to ending illiteracy, the organization wishes to see all children, regardless of background, achieve more in school and in life through books. Learning to read is critical to success; however, books are scarce for kids who are growing up in poverty. In fact, 80 percent of the preschools and after school programs serving such children do not have a single book for their students. Meanwhile, in some of the lowest income neighborhoods in America, there is only 1 book available for every 300 children.

Illiteracy affects society as a whole. Because kids and adults with low or no literacy skills have negative outlooks on education, health, and employment, they are more likely to drop out of school, stay in poverty, and engage in criminal and anti-social activity. Over the course of their lifetime, an illiterate individual will cost the United States more than a quarter of a million dollars.

Rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, First Book provides an essential resource to overcoming illiteracy – access to an ongoing supply of new, high quality books. To achieve this mission, First Book has pioneered innovative channels to provide books and educational resources to schools and programs serving children in need, at greatly reduced prices and for free. To date, the organization has delivered more than 100 million books to America's most disadvantaged youth. There are currently over 35,000 schools and non-profits registered with First Book, with more joining every day.

Aside from serving young readers, First Book also offers high quality books on college preparation; anti-bullying; science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); healthy eating and exercise; and several other topics. Since 2008, First Book has been on the Chronicle of Philanthropy's annual Philanthropy 400 list.