Supporting Literacy, a Dollar at a Time

A rough and tumble economy isn't slowing one company's efforts to expand literacy and technology programs within schools. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation, set up by retailer Dollar General, is providing 746 grants, totaling about $4.9 million this year, for schools and nonprofits to support literacy and educational programming.

The Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based organization has awarded 318 back-to-school grants to schools across a 35-state region that is helping to bring new software, programs and materials tied to literacy efforts.

“Dollar General is dedicated to improving the lives of others by supporting literacy and education,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO, in a press statement.

“These grants were developed to support the schools and organizations that are educating young minds. We commend their commitment to improving children’s lives and futures through education,” he stated.

Since its inception 16 years ago, the foundation has awarded more than $38.4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 2.1 million individuals.

Photo courtesy of Dollar General