Investing in Community Literacy Across Memphis & Shelby County
For the fourth year, Literacy Mid-South's Literacy Zone Fund is investing in community-driven literacy efforts across Memphis and Shelby County. The fund supports projects designed by local organizations, neighborhood leaders, and residents who understand the unique strengths and needs of their communities.
Literacy Zones are place-based partnerships that bring together organizations, governments, funders, and community members to focus literacy resources within specific neighborhoods. The goal is simple: build stronger literacy opportunities where people live, learn, work, and gather.
This year marked a significant milestone for the Literacy Zone Fund, with 58 proposals submitted—the highest number in the program's history. The applications represented a wide range of innovative ideas aimed at improving literacy outcomes for children, families, and adults throughout the community.
While each proposal was unique, a common theme emerged: a deep commitment to serving and strengthening the people of the 901. From neighborhood-based learning initiatives to family literacy programs and community engagement efforts, applicants demonstrated the creativity, passion, and dedication that make Memphis and Shelby County special.
Literacy Mid-South extends its sincere gratitude to every organization and individual who submitted a proposal. The overwhelming response reflects the growing momentum behind community-led literacy solutions and reinforces the importance of investing in local leadership.
Although not every proposal can receive funding, Literacy Mid-South looks forward to exploring additional opportunities to support and collaborate with organizations working to build a more literate and connected community.
Together, we are building literacy one neighborhood, one partnership, and one opportunity at a time.
About the 2026 Community Funded Projects
FathersFirst Reads
FathersFirst Reads will engage fathers and families in the Frayser and Raleigh communities through family literacy events, reading toolkits, father-centered training, and community outreach designed to help fathers take an active role in supporting children’s reading at home.
Read to Rise
Read to Rise will support high school students through literacy-centered career readiness, communication skill-building, mentorship, family engagement, and workforce preparation activities connected to Memphis Urban League’s Save Our Sons & Daughters program.
Writer’z Bloc Creative Literacy
Writer’z Bloc Creative Literacy will provide youth in Raleigh with weekly creative literacy sessions that combine reading, writing, storytelling, and personalized learning while their parents participate in workforce and entrepreneur training programming.
All About My Block
All About My Block will create a series of place-based neighborhood readers that highlight Memphis communities through culturally relevant nonfiction texts, lesson plans, and community-centered literacy resources for early readers.
Literacy Launchpad
Literacy Launchpad will train community partners in Structured Literacy practices so tutors, volunteers, and youth-serving organizations are better equipped to support struggling readers using evidence-based reading instruction.