FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Champaign County Awards $90,006 in Literacy Grants to 15 Local Programs
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL – United Way of Champaign County's Women United has awarded $90,006 in Literacy Grants to 15 local nonprofit organizations and school programs dedicated to improving literacy outcomes for children from birth through third grade.
Funded through proceeds from the 2026 Power of the Purse fundraiser, the grants support innovative literacy programs that help children build strong reading skills during the critical early years of learning. Research shows that children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to experience long-term academic success, making early literacy one of the most important investments a community can make.
“This grant reflects the generosity and commitment of Women United and Power of the Purse supporters who believe every child deserves the opportunity to become a strong reader,” said Emily Neal, Director of Leadership Giving at United Way of Champaign County. “Together with local organizations and educators, we’re helping provide children with the resources and support they need to build strong literacy skills and succeed in school and beyond.”
In addition to the Literacy Grants, proceeds from Power of the Purse continue to support Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Parkland College Scholarships for Women.
The 15 selected programs represent a diverse group of organizations and schools working to inspire a love of reading, engage families, and provide children with the early learning skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
The 2026-2027 Women United Literacy Grant recipients include:
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Angel's Youth Center - Angel's Youth Center Literacy Program
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Barkstall Elementary - Books Within Reach
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BGI Foundation/Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - The LIGHT & Spark: Literacy Collective
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The Brave Talk Alliance - Empowered Voices
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Broadmeadow Elementary - 3rd Grade Literacy Focus
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Carrie Busey Elementary School - The Wonder and Ease of Reading with Wonderbooks
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CU Early - Urbana Early Childhood School - Early Childhood Literacy and Math Take Home Bags
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Early Childhood Education Program (CCRPC) - Foundations for Lifelong Learning
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Eastlawn Elementary - Opening the World Through Books: Updating our Nonfiction Section
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Leal Elementary School - Birthday Books for All
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One Root Collective - Rooted Stories
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Pleasant Acres Elementary - Strong readers, strong leaders... Grandes lectores, grandes lideres
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Rantoul Public Library - Devices for Early Childhood Literacy
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University of Illinois, College of Education, Center for Education in Small Urban Communities - SOAR (Student Opportunities for After-School Resources) Program
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Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center - Black, Brown & Beautiful Family Literacy Program
For information on this year’s Women United Literacy Grant awards and to learn how to support this grant or other impact areas in the future, visit: www.unitedwaychampaign.org/women-united.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarah Buckman
Director of Marketing & Communications
United Way of Champaign County
(217) 352-5151