The Patterson Foundation Contributes $250,000 to Strengthen National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
The Foundation has invested more than $2 million toward strengthening the Campaign's efforts to promote early school success in more than 350 communities since 2013
SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Patterson Foundation has contributed $250,000 to support the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's nationwide efforts to ensure that more children from asset-limited families succeed in school and are adequately prepared for college, a career and active citizenship. The Foundation has given more than $2 million to strengthen the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's work as an Anchor Funder since 2013. Beyond these financial contributions, the Foundation continues to provide strategy and consulting support for the national Campaign.
This contribution seeks to catalyze additional support for the national network of communities working to build better futures for some of the nation's most vulnerable children by ensuring they are able to read on grade-level by the end of third grade. The GLR Campaign includes more than 350 communities in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and two provinces in Canada.
"The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's commitment to childhood success in asset-limited families throughout the country is inspiring," said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. "As a staunch supporter for many years, The Patterson Foundation is dedicated to furthering the Campaign's impact through financial and consulting means both nationally and here on the Suncoast."
The failure to read proficiently by the end of third grade remains one of the major obstacles in the pathway out of poverty. At this time, 80 percent of children from asset-limited families are not reaching this critical milestone. The GLR Campaign seeks to end this cycle of generational poverty by mobilizing communities to engage a broad base of stakeholders to improve school readiness, attendance and summer learning opportunities. It also emphasizes strategies to help parents serve as their children's first teachers while connecting families with health resources to reduce societal challenges associated with reading on grade-level.
"The Patterson Foundation's ongoing investment in our success goes well beyond its funding support," said Ralph Smith, managing director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. "Consistent with its 'more than money philanthropy' philosophy, The Patterson Foundation has invested considerable talent and time to serve as our thought partner, strategic adviser and navigation guide."
In addition to this support, The Patterson Foundation works with the Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign and serves as the lead partner of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, which promotes grade-level reading efforts in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. The Suncoast Campaign has consistently received recognition for its work, including multiple Pacesetter Honors, one of the highest awards presented by the GLR Campaign, and the prestigious All-America City Award.
To learn more about The Patterson Foundation, visit http://www.thepattersonfoundation.org. Visit http://www.gradelevelreading.net for more information about the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.
About The Patterson Foundation
The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations and communities. The Foundation focuses on issues that address common aspirations and foster wide participation, along with ways organizations learn and share as they evolve. For more information, please visit http://www.thepattersonfoundation.org and connect with @ThePattersonFdn on Twitter.
About the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Launched in 2010, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a collaborative effort of funders, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities across the nation to ensure that many more children from low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career and active citizenship. Since its launch, CGLR has grown to include more than 350 communities, representing 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and two provinces in Canada — with 5,000+ local organizations and 510 state and local funders (including 200+ United Ways). To learn more, visit gradelevelreading.net and follow the movement on Twitter @readingby3rd.
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Media Contact
Branan Jacobs, MagnifyGood/The Patterson Foundation, +1 941-953-9191 Ext: 2, [email protected]
SOURCE The Patterson Foundation
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