Grants available to promote literacy in Yamhill County

In the interest of reducing illiteracy and promoting lifelong readers, a Yamhill County agency announced this week the availability of grants to local nonprofit, tribal or public agencies.

McMinnville-based Yamhill Community Care’s (YCCO) Early Learning Hub has grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 as part of Oregon’s Early Learning Literacy Success Initiative. The initiative, according to a release from YCCO, aims to boost literacy in children up to age 6, reduce the disparity in literacy among historically underserved groups and “provide support to parents and guardians with the tools to help their children develop literacy skills.”

“Early literacy is the cornerstone of a child’s educational journey and lifelong success,” Jennifer Laine, YCCO’s early learning director, said. “Through this initiative, we are partnering with local organizations to close the literacy gap and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

Those organizations seeking grants must align their goals with the mission and vision of the Early Learning Hub and target one or more of that group’s priority populations, which include Latinx and/or Spanish-speaking families; geographically isolated families in the county, such as those in the West Valley area; families parenting one or more children with disabilities; families experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges; or those engaged with Child Protective Services.

To qualify for a grant, an applicant must be a 501(c3) nonprofit organization, a Native American tribe or a public agency. Applications are due by Aug. 15 and grant winners will be announced Sept. 3. Successful grantees must complete their projects by June 2025.

For more information or to download an application form, visit tinyurl.com/6rnhnxhx or email earlylearning@yamhillcco.org.

The YCCO is a coordinated care organization that serves Oregon Health Plan members in Yamhill County and parts of Washington and Polk counties.