“NEA’s Read Across America”2018 State Affiliate Event GrantCriteriaPlease note: Only NEA State Affiliates may apply for these grants.
Announcement Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Deadline: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Applicants will be notified by:Friday, December 15, 2017
Conference Call/Webcast: To assist state affiliate staff preparing event grant proposals, NEA’s Read Across America will host two conference calls/webcasts to answer questions and provide additional information:
Friday, November 3, 2017:
3:00 p.m. EASTERN TIME
Dial 800-446-1162 or 719-955-1114; Participant Code= 497436
To participate in the webcast, go to:
Sign in as a guest, enter your full name followed by your state initials. Use the call-in numbers above for audio.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017:
3:00 p.m. EASTERN TIME
Dial 800-446-1162 or 719-955-1114; Participant Code= 497436
To participate in the webcast, go to:
Sign in as a guest, enter your full name followed by your state initials. Use the call-in numbers above for audio.
Description
NEA State Affiliates may apply for a"Read Across America Event Grant" to enhance state affiliate-coordinated Read Across America events and/or activitiesbased on the theme of “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers.” Emphasis should be placed on diverse books from diverse authors that will appeal to an increasingly diverse student population. Affiliates may apply for any amount up to a maximum of $20,000. A total of $120,000 will be awarded. Ideally, event(s) or activities should occur on or about "NEA's Read Across America Day," which is Friday, March 2, 2018.
Examples of appropriate events and/or activities*highlighting diversity include:
- A statewide reading tour that makes school visits to conduct reading events that focus on diverse books to be coordinated with the local Association.
- Using the RAA Resource Calendaras a guide, events/activities that emphasis diverse books and authors for diverse audiences. Additional content related to the calendar and poster can be found at nea.org/readacross.
- Consider a state-wide theme of “Read Across [insert state name] by focusing on books and authors that make your state unique.
- Hosting a larger reading event(s) with members and students held at public venues such as children's museums, sports or entertainment facilities, libraries, or other public venue that will accommodate several classes of students (possibly from multiple schools);
- Organizing other Association-recommended event or activity.
Read Across America Resources
Find ideas, an online toolkit, and other resources to help you brainstorm an appropriate event or activity at
Application
Please submit your application using the attached Word template by Tuesday, November 28, 2017 to .
Deadline
All completed applications are due Tuesday, November 28, 2017. Please send your completed application in Word or PDF format to: Steven Grant, .
For More Information
Contact Steven Grant, , 202-822-7272.
Criteria/Expectations
What NEA Will Provide
- NEA staff will be available for input, consultation and assistance with the planning and implementation through phone calls and e-mail. NEA will not provide staff "on the ground" to coordinate the event or activity.
- Free materialsrelated to the current RAA program such as the 2017-18 resource calendar, poster and other "free" available materials related to the RAA program.
- NEA’s Read Across America branding materials including logos and taglines to appear on all communications related to event grant-funded event or activity.
- Recommend partners like First Book for reduced cost books ( and Reading is Fundamental ( for activity and curriculum for each book featured in the resource calendar and poster.
- NEA leaders may be available to participate in your event/activity. (Complete the speaker request form found at:
Affiliate’s Role and Responsibilities
- Implementation of the proposed program, event, or activity outlined in the State Affiliate Event Grant application. RAA event grant should supplement additional funding, resources, and staffing from the State and/or Local Affiliates involved. Events should target schools with student populations in greatest need.
- Promotion of “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers” and NEA's Read Across America programon State and Local Affiliates’ online and social media, publications, news releases, and other member and external communication vehicles. The NEA and the 20th Anniversary RAA logosshould appear alongside/near the state and/or local affiliate’s branding.
- While the focus will be on member-driven, student-focused reading-related events, the state affiliate should also pursue earned media opportunities at the local and state level, utilize member communications vehicles, and online/social media to promote NEA's Read Across America to both members and the public.
- In conjunction with the event/activity, provide membership recruitment and organizing opportunities by providing information available to NEA members in "meet and greet" type breakfast or lunch open houses and/or lit tables.
- Purchase books and other giveaways such as "goody bags" and other appropriate items.
- Provide opportunities for NEA leaders to participate in the event/activity.
“NEA’s Read Across America” 2018 State Affiliate Event Grant
Application
Application Deadline
All completed applications are due Tuesday, November 28, 2017. Please send your completed application in Word or PDF format to Steven Grant at .
Description
NEA State Affiliates may apply for a “Read Across America Event Grant” to enhance state affiliate-coordinated Read Across America events and/or activities that help bring to life NEA’s Read Across America theme: “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers.”
Affiliates may apply for any amount up to a maximum of $20,000. A total of $120,000 will be awarded. Ideally, event(s) or activities should occur on or about “NEA’s Read Across America Day,” which is Friday, March 2, 2018. Please be sure to review criteria and expectations found on pages 1-2 of this document. More information on Read Across America can be found at: nea.org/readacross
Affiliate Contact Information
Affiliate Name:
Primary Contact Person:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone:
E-mail address:
All applications must be reviewed and approved by State Affiliate Presidents
and Executive Directors prior to submitting to NEA.
State Affiliate President Approval by:
State Affiliate Executive Director Approval by:
Proposed Event/ Activity
Describe the proposed event/activity to be funded by the NEA RAA Event
Grant and how it will help highlight the RAA theme of “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers.”
What is the location of your proposed event(s)/activity?
Which Local Associations and School(s) will be involved?
Total amount of funding requested (Any amount $1,000 to $20,000)
How would you use the proposed activity as a membership organizing opportunity?
Describe the plan for involving parents, community members, partners and
others.
What is the promotional communication plan?
What is the budget for how funds will be utilized? (May not cover costs for
staffing and other existing or new affiliate resources.)
How does the event/activity to be funded by NEA RAA Event Grant fit into the
affiliate’s overall initiatives?
What type of staff support and volunteers are available at the local/state level
to plan and implement the event or activity?
For More Information
For more information on Read Across America, including event and activity ideas, visit:
Deadline
All completed applications are due Tuesday, November 28, 2017. Please send your completed application in Word or PDF format to: Steven Grant,
.