“Books for Fun” Improving Literacy in the Classroom
Grant Program
Fall 2014
Established through the generous support of the Leon Lowenstein Foundation and
concieved by 16-year old Eric Thoman, The Fund for Public Schools is pleased to
announce the “Books for Fun” Improving Literacy in the Classroom Grant
Program, which seeks to build, expand, and improve classroom book options for preK to
8th grade students in NYC public schools as a key strategy for closing the achievement
gap. In each selected classroom, this grant will allow teachers to purchase up to $1,500
in books to support the curriculum or increase the classroom collection choices.
Extensive research has shown children who become better readers are more likely to
succeed academically and professionally. It has been demonstrated that children who
are strong readers become strong candidates for success. They can become leaders
who have a positive impact by giving back to the communities and working to improve
the lives of the next generation of readers and beyond.
Goal of the “Books for Fun” Improving Literacy in the Classroom Grant Program
 Support literacy and reading in all classrooms and subject areas
 Provide students with access to more books
 Increase pleasure reading
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, each school must possess all of the following characteristics:
 Be a New York City Public School
 At least 75% of school students are eligible to receive free lunch
 Support the needs of a preK – 8th Grade Classroom Teacher
 Demonstrate a clear purpose in your decision in book choices to support
curriculum or classroom collection
 Complete an evaluation form at the end of the school year
Grant Selection Process
This will be a competitive process and grant applications will be reviewed by a team
comprised of staff from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation and The Fund for Public
Schools.
Grant recipients will choose one of the following:

Up to 3 classroom book sets (one copy of each title for each classroom student)

Subject area classroom collection (various titles to support a subject area)

Classroom collection (various titles to support general reading)
“Books for Fun” Improving Literacy in the Classroom
Grant Program Application
Fall 2014
The application should be completed in Microsoft Word and submitted by November 30,
2014, 5pm. Please complete all fields in section 1 and section 2, hand-written
submissions will not be reviewed.
Section 1.
School
School Street Address
City
District
Phone
Principal
E-mail
Teacher
E-mail
Zip
Subject Area
Number of Students Enrolled in Classroom:
Grade Level
Please answer the following for your school:
% Eligible for Free Lunch:
% Special Education:
% ELL:
% of students reading at or above grade level
Recent Progress Report Grade
Total Enrollment:
Please select how you intend to use the grant funds:
 Up to 3 classroom sets of the same title (one copy for each student)
 Subject area classroom collection (various titles to support a subject area)
 Classroom collection (various titles to support general reading)
I support this grant application and certify that the all of the information is correct.
Principal__________________________________ (signature)
Date _____________
Teacher__________________________________ (signature)
Date _____________
Section 2. Please answer all questions in detail:
1.
What are the literacy needs of your classroom at your school?
2.
How will the “Books for Fun” Improving Literacy in the Classroom Grant help
address those needs?
3.
Will these books be used for specific curriculum needs or to enhance the
classroom collection? (Explain in detail, give rationale for particular choice)
4.
Why/How will this grant benefit your school as it relates to reading skills and
pleasure reading?
5.
How will you determine if your class has enhanced its reading skills and pleasure
reading?
6.
How do you intend to use these resources with future classes?
Submission Requirements:
Grant request submissions must be typed directly into this application, all questions in
section 1 and section 2 must be answered. Hand-written applications will not be
considered. Please mail signed original of the completed application by
November 30, 2014 to:
“Books for Fun” Improving Literacy in the Classroom Grant Program
The Fund for Public Schools
52 Chambers Street, Room 305
New York, New York 10007
Inquiries should be addressed to Arlene Dominguez at
adominguez2@schools.nyc.gov.
“Books for Fun” Improving Literacy in the Classroom Grant Program
Sponsored by the Leon Lowenstein Foundation