About The ILF
Since 1999, The Illinois Literacy Foundation (ILF) has been a leader in promoting literacy efforts and supporting local literacy projects throughout Illinois.
In 2002, the ILF hosted a successful statewide literacy conference at DePaul University, featuring representatives from academia, the Illinois Library Association, and the private and corporate sectors to exchange ideas about how to promote literacy awareness.
From 1999-2002, a partnership with Barnes and Noble booksellers generated over $200,000 for literacy efforts. From 2003-2010 the Foundation and Borders Superstores/Waldenbooks partnered to raise money from customers to enhance literacy awareness and support local literacy initiatives in Illinois. Book drives and holiday season donations from Borders/Waldenbooks customers generated more than $970,00 over the eight-year period. Collectively, more than 1 million dollars was donated by customers.
From 2018-2021, Thriftbooks partnered with the ILF to support its 10 Ton Challenge which provided more than 26,000 books to each public school student in Illinois' 10 lowest per capita income counties.
More than 300,000 pieces of promotional literature and other tools such as rulers, pens and posters have been distributed to schools, libraries, literacy organizations/agencies, shelters, senior centers, special education centers and Boys and Girls Youth Centers.
The Illinois Literacy Foundation has also sponsored and cosponsored book events, where children hear an author read from his or her work and then receive a copy to take home with them. The Illinois Literacy Foundation is committed to ensuring that every Illinois citizen has the reading, writing, math and English skills necessary to achieve their utmost potential. The Illinois Auditor General conducts biannual audits of the ILF and reports its findings to the Illinois General Assembly.
Statutory Purpose
The purposes of the Foundation are to promote literacy among, the residents of the State of Illinois by supporting literacy programs, and enhancing statewide literacy awareness to make grants and gifts in aid and in support of the goal; and to engage generally in other lawful endeavors consistent with the foregoing purposes. (From ILCS 322/40)
Publication
Mission
The mission of the Illinois Literacy Foundation is to promote literacy awareness and support literacy programs throughout the State of Illinois by partnering with corporate and private sectors.
Vision Statement
All Illinois pre-school children will benefit from early childhood literacy programs and be ready to learn to read in kindergarten.
More Resources
- ilsos.gov
- Illinois State Library
- Illinois State Library Literacy Office
- How can we make literacy more achievable?
- Illinois Library Association
- American Library Association
- Public Library Association
- National Literacy Institute publication " A Child Becomes a Reader"
- Thrift Books - Our Partner
- How can organizations like the ILF make our funds go farther?