Beyond the Book: Scripps Howard Fund’s $1.8M Investment Tackles Literacy Equity

Cincinnati, OH – November 4, 2025 – The Scripps Howard Fund today announced a record-breaking $1.8 million investment in its ‘If You Give a Child a Book…’ campaign, aiming to distribute over 300,000 books to children in low-income schools across the United States during the 2025-2026 academic year. While the sheer volume of books is significant, experts say the campaign’s strategic approach – prioritizing equity, sustainable partnerships, and community impact – sets it apart.

For nine years, the Scripps Howard Fund has tackled the critical issue of childhood literacy, but this year’s investment represents a substantial increase and a renewed commitment to leveling the playing field for disadvantaged students. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as national reading scores continue to lag and the literacy gap between high- and low-income students persists.

Addressing a Systemic Equity Gap

“Access to books is fundamental, but it’s not a silver bullet,” says one education policy analyst. “Systemic inequities, including poverty, lack of resources, and underfunded schools, create significant barriers to literacy. Campaigns like this need to address those underlying issues to be truly effective.”

National data paints a stark picture. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), only 34% of fourth graders and 33% of eighth graders scored at or above proficient in reading in 2022. This gap widens considerably for students from low-income families, who often lack access to books at home. The latest data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that 67% of fourth graders from low-income families score below proficient in reading.

The Scripps Howard Fund's investment seeks to bridge this gap by directly providing resources to schools that need them most. The campaign targets Title 1 schools, where a significant percentage of students come from low-income households.

Beyond Donations: A Strategic Partnership with Scholastic

What distinguishes this campaign from simple book drives is its partnership with Scholastic Books. This collaboration goes beyond simply distributing books; Scholastic organizes free book fairs for approximately 100 partner schools, allowing students to choose books that appeal to them.

“Choice is critical,” explains a school principal in Ohio benefiting from the program. “When students get to select books they’re interested in, they’re much more likely to engage with them.”

Scholastic also provides training for teachers on how to integrate the new books into the curriculum, ensuring that they are used effectively to enhance literacy skills. This collaborative approach ensures that the investment has a lasting impact on students’ reading abilities.

Sustainability and Community Impact

The Scripps Howard Fund isn’t just focused on short-term gains. The campaign emphasizes sustainability by building long-term relationships with schools and communities.

“We’re not just dropping off books and walking away,” says a spokesperson for the Fund. “We’re working with schools to create a culture of literacy that extends beyond the classroom.”

The Fund also leverages the local presence of its parent company, E.W. Scripps Company, to amplify its impact. Local news outlets owned by Scripps promote the campaign and share stories of students benefiting from the program.

A Model for Corporate Philanthropy

Experts say the Scripps Howard Fund’s ‘If You Give a Child a Book…’ campaign serves as a model for how corporations can effectively address social issues.

“This isn’t just about writing a check,” says an education consultant. “It’s about understanding the root causes of the problem, partnering with organizations that have expertise, and investing in solutions that are sustainable and impactful.”

The campaign’s focus on equity, collaboration, and community impact demonstrates a commitment to more than just philanthropy – it’s about investing in the future of our communities.

The Fund plans to continue expanding the campaign in the years to come, with the goal of reaching even more students and creating a more equitable and literate society. The continued success of the program will depend on sustained investment and a continued commitment to addressing the systemic challenges that hinder literacy development in underserved communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Record Investment: The Scripps Howard Fund has committed $1.8 million to distribute over 300,000 books.
• Equity Focus: The campaign targets Title 1 schools with high concentrations of low-income students.
• Strategic Partnership: Collaboration with Scholastic ensures books are chosen by students and integrated into curriculum.
• Sustainability: The Fund prioritizes long-term relationships with schools and communities.
• Community Impact: Local news outlets owned by E.W. Scripps Company amplify the campaign’s message and share success stories.