United is the Way to Literacy
When United for Literacy launched in 2023, less than 1 in 3 Winnebago County third grade students were assessed to have reading scores that met expectations. Fourth grade ushers in a period requiring them to read to learn history, word problems in math, and more. In 2025, 36.75% of County third grade students were assessed as being reading proficient.
Our BOLD GOAL is for 75% of third-graders to be reading at grade level or above by 2034.
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The United for Literacy Approach
We have identified three key audiences in Winnebago County that require support if we want our children to thrive: the children themselves, parents & caregivers, and the community at large.
Early learning lays the groundwork for a child's future, shaping their ability to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The first five years of life are especially critical, as this period sees rapid brain development, language acquisition, and the formation of essential social-emotional skills. By fostering a strong foundation during these formative years, children are better prepared for school and lifelong success. Early learning initiatives, such as United for Literacy, empower families and communities to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Programs for Children
Total Investment 2024-25: $447,809
- Reach Out and Read in all health systems
- Read-alouds and independent reading
- Literacy support in daycares and schools
- Community Storytimes
- Comprehensive book distribution
- Tiny Turners (ages -3)
- Page Turners (early childhood)
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Programs for Caregivers
Total Investment 2024-25: $123,000
- Family Literacy Nights
- Engagement materials and instruction
- Training and outreach
Programs for Community
Total Investment 2024-25: $53,500
- Training and Professional Development
- Advocacy
- Public awareness messaging
- Additional book distribution
$1,000,000+
Invested in Literacy To Date
20
Partner Organizations
150,000+
Books Distributed
Total Results since
Initiative Launch
Literacy Partnerships
With such a bold goal, there is no way one organization could make that kind of progress alone. To change something as complex as literacy, you need all hands on deck!
Proposal Process
Each fiscal year we request proposals from local agencies. In these proposals, they explain their connection to literacy and what kind of project they would like to work on for the year. United Way reviews these ideas with a committee of experts and provides funding via grants to the strongest proposals with the greatest potential impact for the community.
Agencies can apply for funding again every year, but previous participation does not guarantee future approval. Every proposal is fairly evaluated by the committee to ensure our donors' dollars go towards the most effective programs possible.
2025-26 Partners & Projects
Service Grants
- Boys & Girls Club of Rockford
Expanding book clubs, storytimes, and independent reading. Staff will facilitate gathering data on children’s progression. - Brightpoint
Supporting literacy work and events within the Crisis Nursery. - Easterseals
Onsite Literacy Specialist to work with parents as well as provide literacy kits. - Harlem School District
1. Preschool for All: Partner with families and community members to foster academic and social-emotional learning success in preschoolers
2. Prenatal to 3 Prevention Initiative: In-home support for families before their children enter school - Regional Office of Education
Science of Reading training for K-3rd grade teachers. - Rockford Public Library
Provide training for other partners, parents, and volunteers for United for Literacy programming. - Rockford Public Schools (RPS 205)
Literacy events through RPS’s Prevention Initiative program to involve dads in literacy. - YMCA of Rock River Valley
Five site pilots revising Kids Care afterschool program to include intentional literacy instruction from certified teachers. - YWCA of Northwestern Illinois
Supporting 86 childcare facilities with interactive reading modeling, books, and literacy kits for over 1,000 kids monthly.
Book Distribution Grants
- Alignment Rockford
1. Newborn Basics Kits: given to new moms and incorporates Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
2. Ready to Learn Book Spaces: books to sustain current spaces - Brooke Road United Methodist Church
Books to continue Reader’s Night In and Reader’s Weekend (family) at Brooke Road Community Center. - Durand Charm
Incorporating literacy into numerous community events, supporting classrooms with books. - Junior League of Rockford
Books for existing vending machines and family literacy nights. - Severson Dells
Books to supplement year-round STEM & science programs. - South Beloit School District
Books to support early childhood and elementary classrooms. - Trinity Day Care
1. Books and activities
2. Books for all to build home libraries
3. Preschool to age 8 family literacy nights
4. Toddler to 2 family literacy nights - Jackson Charter School
Books for supporting classrooms. - YMCA of Rock River Valley
Books for Childrens’ Learning Center classrooms.