The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) has received a $108,000 Impact100 SRQ grant to expand early literacy efforts in Manatee County classrooms. The funding will support the growth of the ELC’s ReadingPals initiative and the launch of Storytimers, a new early literacy program designed for 3-year-old classrooms, over the next 18 months. “This funding is hugely significant for us as we strengthen our early literacy programs,” said Darrell King, Chief Executive Officer for the ELC. “It was an amazing honor to watch our agency be chosen as a grant recipient, and I continue to be so proud of the staff who work tirelessly every day to give our youngest learners the best possible chance of success.”
The ELC builds its literacy programs around the idea that children learn language through connection and repetition. Through ReadingPals, trained volunteers sit down with 4-year-olds each week and read stories together, which helps the children gain early language and literacy skills. Its new program, Storytimers, will extend that story-based approach to even younger children. They’ll engage with age-appropriate books, songs, and group activities that support early communication and listening skills. “This grant allows us to reach children at an age when their brains are developing quickly, and when every meaningful interaction matters,” said Rachel Spivey, Director of Grants and Strategic Partnerships for the ELC. “With Storytimers, we can bring early literacy into classrooms even sooner. That earlier start bolsters language and communication, as well as a child’s comfort with books, which are the building blocks for long- term learning. We’re incredibly grateful to Impact100 SRQ for investing in the future of children and families in our community.” Impact100 SRQ is a women-led philanthropic organization that awards transformational grants of at least $100,000 to nonprofits serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Members contribute $1,000 annually, and grant recipients are selected through a multi-month application and review process, and member voting at the organization’s annual giving event.
“Every year, our members prove that when women come together with purpose, generosity, and vision, we can create transformational change in our community,” said Pam Kandziora, Co-President of Impact100 SRQ. “These grants will empower nonprofits to expand their reach and impact in ways that truly matter.” Because the ELC’s literacy programs rely on trained volunteers, the agency will continue recruiting and preparing community members who want to spend a small amount of time each week making a direct difference in a child’s experience with books. For more information, visit https://www.elc-manatee.org/ReadingPals.
