SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest-need schools and marginalized communities with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and books to keep.

SMART Reading’s mission is to spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book. Their vision is an Oregon where all children can realize their full potential through reading. Founded in 1992, the program combines early childhood reading support, adult mentorship, book ownership, and community engagement to positively impact literacy outcomes. SMART Reading provides a meaningful way for Oregonians to make a direct impact in their communities.

Reading matters. It’s an early gateway skill that paves the pathway for future success. Without it, kids are simply less likely to graduate high school, find employment, or successfully avoid hardships like poverty, homelessness, hunger, and other injustices. Lower literacy rates don’t just hurt individual children; they hurt us all. They impact the future health and prosperity of Oregon. They add strain on social and health services, impede our economic growth, and weaken our workforce. SMART Reading’s founders understood this when they grew a grassroots nonprofit focused on children’s literacy. They understood that literacy is not just our education system’s challenge, but one for local communities, businesses, foundations, congregations, and neighbors.

Funds will be used to buy books, ensure the safety of children and volunteers through background checks, train SMART Reading Site Coordinators and Readers, and purchase supplies for programs.