Top Literacy Nonprofit Organizations to Support in 2025

“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” That beautiful thought from Jorge Luis Borges reminds me just how life-changing the ability to read and write truly is. Literacy opens doors to education, to employment, to empathy.

International Literacy Day, celebrated on September 8th, reminds us how powerful reading and writing can be in changing lives. Literacy opens doors to learning, growth, and new opportunities. To honor this day and support the cause, we’ve put together a list of ten amazing nonprofits that are helping people discover the joy of reading and the power of education.

From children’s literacy programs to local grassroots efforts, each of these organizations has been carefully vetted by Goodera for its impact and credibility. Whether you're looking to donate, volunteer, or just learn more, these literacy champions deserve your support.

Promote Equitable Learning With These Top Literacy Nonprofits

1. Rural Literacy Solutions 

Cause Areas: Rural education, foundational literacy, community development

Impact: Operating in Ghana's Northern Region, Rural Literacy Solutions addresses high illiteracy rates in rural communities. Through literacy clubs and community-based programs, they aim to improve reading, writing, and numeracy skills among students, contributing to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Rural Literacy Solutions is on a mission to break down the barriers that rural populations face in accessing education. From mobile libraries to community reading workshops, this literacy nonprofit brings books and learning directly to those who need it most.

By nurturing a love for reading in hard-to-reach areas, this literacy nonprofit is not just promoting equitable education but also building long-term community resilience. Their work stands as a powerful example of how grassroots literacy foundation efforts can bridge educational divides and make a global impact.

2. Reading Is Fundamental 

Cause Areas: Early childhood literacy, educational equity, access to books
Impact: Over 100 million books distributed to 100+ million children since 1966

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is one of the most enduring literacy nonprofit organizations in the U.S., and for good reason. With a mission to inspire a passion for reading, RIF delivers free books, digital literacy resources, and community programming to children in underserved areas—including Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York City. Their efforts are rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader.

As a leading literacy foundation, RIF is helping to narrow educational gaps and build brighter futures. Whether through their classroom partnerships or their Book Fund initiatives, this literacy charity continues to lead the way in early literacy support.

3. Starfish Foundation

Cause Areas: Youth education, gender equity, literacy access

Impact: Supporting 250+ students annually across Ecuador

Starfish Foundation is a children’s literacy organization making waves in the world of literacy programs. With their unwavering commitment to empowering young minds, they are rewriting the story of educational access for underserved communities. Through their innovative initiatives, like the Starfish Reading Club, they create a ripple effect of positive change by providing children with the tools they need to dive into a world of knowledge and imagination. 

As a grassroots literacy nonprofit organization that champions equity and education, Starfish Foundation is rewriting the narrative for students who otherwise face barriers. Their approach of pairing literacy with guided mentorship builds not just stronger readers, but more confident learners.

4. Literacy Inc

Cause Areas: Early literacy, family engagement, local community empowerment

Impact: Serving thousands of children annually across New York City

Literacy Inc. (LINC) is all about community-powered reading. This NYC-based literacy nonprofit collaborates with schools, volunteers, and families to deliver early reading support through programs like Reading Everywhere.

With their unwavering dedication to early literacy programs, they are empowering children to become confident and lifelong readers. Their evidence-based approach and innovative strategies, such as their Reading Partners program, are helping bridge the literacy gap and ignite a love for reading in children's hearts. Their commitment to local literacy programs and their tireless efforts to create a more equitable education system make them an invaluable asset in the fight for children's literacy.

5. After School All Stars Las Vegas 

Cause Areas: After-school education, literacy, STEAM enrichment

Impact: Serving over 6,000 students annually in Clark County, Nevada

After School All Stars Las Vegas is a literacy nonprofit organization transforming the lives of children through its comprehensive after-school programs. They offer a wide range of educational and enrichment activities, including STEAM programs, where they teach children to learn English, code, dance, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

With a dedicated team of mentors and volunteers, After School All Stars Las Vegas empowers children to reach their full potential and overcome the challenges they face. Through their impactful literacy programs, they are shaping a brighter future for the children of Las Vegas, one after-school session at a time.

6. Reading Partners 

Cause Areas: Early literacy intervention, tutoring, academic equity

Impact: 75,000+ students served since inception across 10 states

Reading Partners is one of the leading literacy charities dedicated to improving children's literacy in America across Washington DC, California, Texas, New York, and 5 more states. Through their evidence-based programs, they connect struggling young readers with caring tutors who provide personalized support and mentorship.

By focusing on early literacy intervention, Reading Partners helps children develop strong foundational reading skills, setting them up for academic success. They work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to unlock their full potential through the power of reading. With the help of dedicated volunteers and community partnerships, Reading Partners has made a significant impact on the lives of countless children.

7. The Lucy Project 

Cause Areas: Early childhood education, reading readiness, literacy access

Impact: 20,000+ books distributed and 1,000+ students supported since launch

The Lucy Project is making a tremendous difference in the lives of children through its innovative literacy initiatives. Focused on early literacy and education, this literacy organization aims to provide children with access to high-quality books and educational resources. Their programs not only promote reading skills but also foster a love for learning, empowering children to become lifelong learners.

Through their partnerships with schools, libraries, and communities, The Lucy Project creates engaging reading experiences and promotes literacy as a fundamental right for all children. By bridging the literacy gap and instilling a passion for reading, they are paving the way for brighter futures and empowering children to reach their full potential.

8. Community Education Partnerships

Cause Areas: Homelessness, educational equity, early literacy

Impact: More than 20,000 hours of tutoring provided annually to children experiencing housing instability

Community Education Partnerships is a transformative literacy charity that is making a significant difference in communities through its unwavering commitment to education and literacy. With a strong emphasis on early literacy programs, they provide children and families with invaluable resources and support to cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

Through strategic partnerships with schools, libraries, and community centers, Community Education Partnerships create nurturing environments that enable children to thrive academically and emotionally. Their innovative literacy programs not only improve reading skills but also empower children with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.

9. Villa Communitaria

Cause Areas: Bilingual education, adult literacy, family learning

Impact: Supporting 1,500+ community members annually in Washington State

Villa Comunitaria is dedicated to promoting literacy and community empowerment. With a focus on serving underprivileged neighborhoods, they provide a wide range of literacy programs designed to uplift individuals and families. Through their innovative approach, Villa Comunitaria offers engaging workshops, tutoring sessions, and literacy events that inspire a love for reading and learning.

Their commitment to fostering early literacy skills and supporting lifelong education creates a strong foundation for individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Villa Comunitaria's tireless efforts in fostering community collaboration and enhancing literacy rates make them a vital literacy nonprofit organization that’s changing the education landscape.

10. eVidyalok

Cause Areas: Rural education, digital learning, literacy access

Impact: Reached 30,000+ students across 250+ villages in India

eVidyaloka is an educational social enterprise dedicated to providing quality education to children in rural India and increasing the literacy rate among the young. Their vision is to bridge the educational gap by connecting passionate individuals from around the world with government elementary schools in remote villages. Leveraging technology, they also deliver live interactive classes in the local language to children aged 10-14 (5th to 8th grade).

Their powerful partner ecosystem ensures a seamless and impactful learning experience, transforming the lives of these children through education. Join eVidyaloka in making a difference on this International Literacy Day.

Wrapping it up

National Literacy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy for human advancement and is an opportunity for organizations to drive meaningful change by supporting literacy nonprofits in their crucial work.

To make a meaningful impact and promote literacy through your workplace, explore our International Literacy Day activities for teams. Goodera executes tailored volunteer programs for 60 of the world’s Fortune 500 businesses across 50+ cause areas. Our designed-for-impact employee activities are available in 30+ languages across 100+ countries.

This list is not exhaustive, and we'd love to amplify nonprofit voices and connect them to corporate volunteers who want to create meaningful impact. Are you a nonprofit? Partner with Goodera.