Sponsors (6)
Creates a DOE competitive pilot grant program funding nonprofits to buy/distribute books and run literacy programming, authorizing $10M for FY2026.
Official title: To require the Secretary of Education to establish a pilot program to award grants to eligible organizations to carry out activities related to book access, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 3, 2026 by Valerie Foushee · Last progress February 3, 2026
The bill directs modest federal grants to expand book access and support nonprofit literacy programs with neutral application criteria, but limited funding, application burdens, discretionary authority, and potential unusable donations could restrict reach and effectiveness.
Children and families in served communities gain increased access to books through purchases, distributions, and library donations, improving reading resources for youth.
Local nonprofits can receive grants (up to $200,000 over two years) to run literacy programs, enabling sustained community outreach and program continuity.
Congress and program administrators will receive data on books delivered and, where available, literacy outcomes, supporting evaluation and future policy adjustments.
The $10 million authorization is likely insufficient to meet widespread book-access needs, limiting how many communities and children can be served.
Application requirements (community leader support letters and detailed strategic plans) could disadvantage small or new grassroots groups with limited capacity to apply, concentrating awards among better‑resourced organizations.
Permitting 'Secretary‑determined' allowable activities creates discretionary program scope that could lead to uneven or unpredictable uses of funds across recipients.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a competitive pilot grant program at the Department of Education to fund nonprofit efforts that increase children’s access to books and literacy programming. Grants may be up to $200,000 for two-year projects, with the Secretary required to establish the program within 180 days and to report results to Congress after grant completion. Authorizes $10 million for FY2026 (available through FY2027) to support the pilot. Grants require applications describing prior work, a strategic plan addressing community needs, and a community leader endorsement; applications must be judged by viewpoint-neutral criteria.