Now More Than Ever - Reading Is Fundamental

Now More Than EverANNUAL REPORT 2007Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.1825 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 400Washington, DC 20009 • 877-RIF-READRIF.org

Contents3 Leadership Message4 Profiles20 Supporters24 Leadership26 Financial Summary28 RIF at a GlanceOnly30 % of 13-year-oldsread for funeach day.

Now More Than EverReading Is Fundamentalprepares and motivateschildren to read by deliveringfree books and literacyresources to those childrenand families who needthem most.As a leader in children’s literacy for 41 years, Reading Is Fundamental knowsthat reading makes our lives and communities better. Avid readers have more professionalopportunities, are more likely to vote, visit cultural institutions more often, and are twice aslikely to volunteer as nonreaders. A new report released this year by the National Endowment forthe Arts (NEA), however, noted that leisure reading by adults and teens is in decline. The NEAcites competition from other leisure activities, diminished skills, and a lack of time and interest.The role of children’s literacy organizations like RIF is vital to combating this trend. To help createa nation of lifelong readers, RIF works to instill a love of reading earlier in children’s lives. Becauseof this, we are committed to bringing books and resources to more and more younger children.In 2007, RIF increased the number of preschool children served by 19 percent. This group nowrepresents nearly a third of all children we serve.We are also targeting those children most at risk for educational failure. Consider the13 million children living in poverty in this country. Few, if any, of these children havereading resources available to them in their homes. It is not a stretch to say that if thesechildren never own books, are never read to, and never associate reading with fun, thenthey will certainly not become lifelong readers. These children cannot make the choice toread if the opportunity is not available to them.RIF creates this opportunity. Through efforts like our Multicultural Literacy Campaign andother programs, we are providing additional help in communities with higher numbersof at-risk children. This report outlines RIF’s efforts in 2007 to bring books and fun readingactivities to the children who need them most.The impact of RIF in the nearly 4,000 communities we serve has been tremendous. More than4 million children selected 16 million books last year to keep as their own. Our coordinatorsreport that the opportunity to choose, keep, share, and cherish RIF books makes an incredibledifference in these children’s lives. We know that reading changes lives for the better. In light of theNEA report and other discouraging trends, we know our work is important, now more than ever.Carol H. RascoPresident and CEOJohn RemondiChairman, Board of Directors

4r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a lParentProfileSabrina UlrichSh e r b u r n e , N.Y.My 13-year-old son has learning delaysthat make it hard for him to focus onreading. Until he came across a series ofgraphic novels that were offered through our localRIF program, we could never get him to read forfun. Now he is excited about reading more graphicnovels, which are easier for him to follow andcomprehend. He now enjoys going to the libraryand has even sought out the nonfiction section,where he picked up books on making origami.Thanks to RIF, he’s been able to find books thatare just right for him.Shared BeginningsNow more than ever, RIF’s Shared Beginningsprogram, which helps young parents develop andsupport their children’s emerging literacy skills,stands as a program of real necessity. Operatingin high schools, childcare centers, and residentialfacilities, Shared Beginnings was designed as afamily literacy component for programs thatoffer other, complementary services to youngparents, primarily those in their teens. In a supportiveenvironment, the parents learn how tointroduce their infants and toddlers to languagebasics. They also gain confidence that they canbe their child’s “first teacher” as they performfun activities involving talking, singing, playing,and storytelling.Capital One Reaches Out to FamiliesSince 2005, Capital One has supported RIF’sFamily of Readers program, which helps parentsdevelop the skills and self-assurance to take aleading role in encouraging their young children’sreading and learning. Because of CapitalOne’s generous pledge of $1.25 million overthree years, RIF has moved more than 56,000families off the Family of Readers waitlist to participatein the program. In addition, Capital Onehas enlarged its commitment to RIF by providingcustomers with an opportunity to supportchildren’s literacy through the GiveHope DebitCard program.UGI—Helping Pennsylvania YouthUGI Utilities, a long-time RIF supporter, extendedtheir support of RIF programs in Pennsylvania toprovide more books and resources to 1st graders.UGI employees at all levels promote this partnership,from CEO and President Lon Greenberg,a member of RIF’s board of directors, to employeevolunteers who donate their time and energyto help children discover the joy of reading.RIF Launches NewEarly Childhood WebsiteIn June, RIF launched a bilingual educationalwebsite (www.leadingtoreading.org) to help parentsand caregivers develop the language skillsof young children. The site is organized into threeeasy-to-navigate sections, with material aimed atbabies and toddlers (ages birth–2), preschoolers(ages 3–5), and adults. Features of the site includeanimated sing-along songs and stories; fingerplayvideos; nursery rhymes and lullabies; anda section for parents and caregivers featuringexpert Q & A, literacy tips and activities, a booksearch, and other resources. The new site wasfunded by a grant from the Star Schools Programof the U.S. Department of Education.

6r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a lTeenProfileAutumn LemkeRe d Mo u n t a i n, Ar i z .Iwent through the RIF program at Salk ElementarySchool. I remember being in second grade andhaving the high school kids come see us as partof the Reading Buddies program. We thought theywere so cool—we wanted to be just like them.It was just the best thing to be part of RIF.Now I am in high school and am again inthe Reading Buddies program. It’s suchfun to see how excited the kids getabout books and reading.Family of ReadersChildren’s literacy begins at home, but not allparents know how to foster their children’s literacyskills or provide adequate access to readingmaterials. RIF’s special literacy program, Familyof Readers, addresses these needs. Parents attendworkshops and receive instruction on subjectssuch as how to select appropriate children’s booksand how to read aloud to their children. Then,with guidance from a staff advisor, they applythe principles they have learned by planning andrunning RIF book distributions. In addition tothe free, new books the children receive, familieshave access to quality children’s literaturethrough Family of Readers lending libraries.Developing Healthy Habitswith Colgate-PalmoliveA strong supporter of RIF since 2004, Colgate-Palmolive’s 2007 campaign—Healthy BedtimeHabits for a Lifetime—focused on the importance ofestablishing positive bedtime habits at an early age.As part of this year’s program, Colgate-Palmolivedonated more than 125 themed book collections toRIF programs and schools nationwide and hostedseveral reading events. Out of a strong commitmentto bilingual outreach, all of the materials developedfor this campaign were available in Spanishand English. In addition, the campaign’s website—www.colgatehealthyhabits.com—includedresources for parents and an online story adventurecustomized for each child.Rhea Perlman CelebratesReading Is Fun WeekActress and children’s author Rhea Perlmanhelped commemorate Reading Is Fun Week byreading to elementary students in Los Angelesand by recording a video message for RIF’swebsite featuring her tips for making readingfun. Reading Is Fun Week, celebrated in May,promotes the importance of reading for fun duringthe summer months—a period when manychildren experience an academic slide.RIF at Work in WashingtonLast year, RIF and its employees joined volunteercoordinators at 32 public and charter schoolsacross Washington, D.C., to hold three readingmotivational events at which some 15,000students received new books to keep. RIF’s D.C.Initiative is supported by the Freed Foundation,GMAC-RFC, The Washington Post, and TheKiplinger Foundation.RIF Website ContestsThe RIF Reading Planet website (www.readingplanet.org) offered several contests over the past12 months to engage kids in exciting and rewardingliteracy activities.In October 2006, RIF launched the Charlotte’sWeb art contest in partnership with WaldenMedia, HarperCollins, and Paramount Pictures.Each of three grand-prize winners enjoyed aprivate screening of the film Charlotte’s Web forup to 200 guests in their hometown. All winningartwork is posted in an online gallery on theReading Planet website.In February 2007, RIF partnered with NationalGeographic to offer the “I Love Animals” writingcontest. More than 800 children ages 5 to 15 wrotean essay or poem about their love for animals.Three grand-prize winners received a subscriptionto National Geographic Kids magazine, naturethemedbooks, and a RIF prize pack.

8AlumnaProfileElla KingOs a g e , Ok l a.Iremember my very first experience with RIF.I was about 10 years old and was just amazedto learn of libraries, free books, and book checkouts.Due to circumstances beyond my control,I later dropped out of school, but I credit RIF andthe public library for my motivation to get my GED,attend college, and do everything in my power toensure my kids were not high school dropouts.I am living proof that the cycle of poverty is beingbroken—one child, one hope, one dream at a time.Books for OwnershipIf any one literacy program best reflects RIF’score mission, it is Books for Ownership. Formerlyknown as the National Book Program, the programprovides 16 million new, free books to 4.6million children in every state, U.S. territory,and the District of Columbia every year. Througha grant from the U.S. Department of Educationand the support of individual and corporatedonors, more than 20,000 Books for Ownershipsites offer children the opportunity to choosetwo to five high-quality books to keep each year.In addition, RIF programs help children discoverthe joy of reading by supplementing book distributionswith motivational reading activities,reading challenges, and contests.Honoring RIF’s WorkRIF is profoundly grateful for the many memorialand honorarium gifts we receive each year.This year, RIF and the country lost a nationaltreasure, the beloved Lady Bird Johnson. Mrs.Johnson was a dedicated advocate for children’sliteracy, and upon her passing, RIF receivednumerous gifts in honor of Lady Bird’s commitmentto children’s literacy.Care to ReadThe Care to Read program consists of six workshopsbased on early literacy research andappropriate developmental practices for childrenaged 18 months to 5 years. Using a “train thetrainer” model, RIF’s early childhood literacyexperts conduct an initial training. Attendees,usually education and childcare professionals,then return to their communities and train theirstaff in educational institutions or centers andhome-based childcare programs. In 2007, RIFconducted Care to Read trainings for more than300 childcare professionals.Pitney Bowes Sends its SupportPitney Bowes, a committed and generous championof RIF’s literacy efforts, provided fundingfor Care to Read trainings for early childhoodeducators within the communities where theydo business. In addition to its support of Careto Read, Pitney Bowes also offers custom RIFpostage, a unique way for friends, family, andcolleagues to promote the RIF cause with everypiece of mail they send.r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a l

19 % increase in numberRIF served last year.of preschool children

Nestlé Makes Reading SweetRIF Multicultural Literacy CampaignDonorProfileThrough the generosity of the employees ofNestlé USA and Nestlé’s corporate matchinggift, 21,500 children were able to add three newbooks—nearly 73,000 books in all—to theirhome libraries last year. In addition, manyAs many experts have reported, the real key tochanging education outcomes is improving earlychildhood literacy. According to the U.S. Departmentof Education, reading scores of 4th gradechildren from African-American, Hispanic, andNestlé employees volunteered at their adoptedNative American families are more than 25 per-RIF programs, sending a powerful message tocentage points below their white and Asianthe children participating in these programscounterparts. In an attempt to do somethingthat reading is important and fun. In 2007,about this disparity, RIF’s multiyear campaignNestlé gave an additional grant to RIF that willprovides parents and caregivers of children underhelp provide funding for the New Orleansthe age of five with educational resourcesPublic Library to replenish the books lost duringfor building children’s language skills. ThisCarol M. InfusinoHu n t i n g t o n Be a c h, Ca l i f.Iwas an educator for 40 years, working mainlywith special education students in gradesK–8. Given this background, I am verycommitted to people being readers andHurricane Katrina.Macy’s and RIF:A Successful PartnershipIn June 2007, Macy’s and RIF dramaticallyexpanded the scope of our partnership whenMacy’s helped launch the RIF MulticulturalLiteracy Campaign. As part of the campaign,RIF and Macy’s donated 350 multiculturalbook collections to schools across the country.campaign includes:• Literacy Resources—The Leading to Readingprogram includes a new bilingual early childhoodwebsite and an educational video, bothfunded under a grant from the Star SchoolsProgram of the U.S. Department of Education.• Literacy Training—RIF has expanded its Careto Read early childhood literacy training work-12r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a lto putting books in the hands of children.I know firsthand what it means to giveyoung people access to books; if they don’thave the books, they can’t read. After weretired, my husband and I decided todonate to a number of organizationswhose missions we believed in. Weare thrilled that our contribution ishelping RIF fulfill its goals.Together, RIF and Macy’s capitalized on the successof previous RIF back-to-school promotionswith this year’s “Be One For The Books” program.During the six-week promotion, the programraised more than $2.5 million for RIF, making itthe largest customer-supported campaign in RIF’s41-year history. For every $3 donation made by aMacy’s customer, one dollar will be used to supportlocal RIF programs, another dollar willsupport RIF’s Multicultural Literacy Campaign,and the remaining dollar will help RIF’s ongoingefforts to provide reading resources to millions ofunderserved children.shops through a partnership with the NationalBlack Child Development Institute and withorganizations serving the Hispanic and NativeAmerican communities.• Public Education Outreach—New RIF publicservice announcements promoting the importanceof reading to young children beganairing on African-American and Native Americanradio stations, and on Hispanic televisionand radio stations in August. The campaign isfunded by Macy’s, with support from RIF’smedia partners Radio One, Univision, andKohanic Broadcast Corporation.

COORDINATORProfile14Daniel PerezCo o r d i n a t o r a n d Me d i a Sp e c i a l i s tPin e c r e s t El e m e n t a r y Sc h o o lIm m o k a l e e , Fl a.Our program is in a migrant community andmore than 98 percent of our kids are eligiblefor free and reduced lunch. Many of theparents struggle with low literacy, yet books are oftenthe last thing on their mind; they just don’t have themoney. RIF is a lifesaver for these children. Without it,they would never have the chance to own their ownreading materials. If we didn’t have RIF, this would bea very, very sad place.RIF Hosts Second AnnualProgram Excellence HonorsRepresentatives from 25 outstanding RIFprograms from across the country came toWashington, D.C., for three days to share, learn,and educate RIF’s staff about what really worksin getting kids excited about reading. At theevent, sponsored by MetLife Foundation, tips andbest practices were collected and will be formattedinto an interactive online resource for RIF programsand others interested in motivating childrento read. The RIF volunteers also visited Capitol Hillto tell their stories to Congress.2007 Volunteer of the Year AwardsFor 10 years, RIF has honored some of its bestvolunteers through the Anne Richardson Volunteerof the Year Awards (VOYA).Honorees in 2007 were Lisa Mertz of Sunbury,Pa., Lucy Her Many Horses of Rosebud, S.D.,and Oscar Cux of Norwalk, Calif. Each wasgiven a plaque, $350 for their respective RIFprograms, a Family of Readers program for theirsites provided by Capital One, and a trip toWashington, D.C., where they spokeat RIF’s annual fall gala.New Partnershipwith Holiday Inn ExpressIn the first year of our partnership, Holiday InnExpress engaged their hotels throughout thecountry to fundraise on behalf of local RIFprograms. Local hotels conducted a host offundraising activities—from car washes withlocal schools to auctions with other communityorganizations—to help raise money for local RIFprograms. With support from Scholastic, HolidayInn Express donated nearly 150,000 books tolocal RIF programs nationwide.In addition, the hotel chain initiated a variety ofopportunities for their employees and communitypartners to support RIF, including a workplacegiving campaign, various literacy-awarenessevents, and an exclusive reservation websitewhere customers can make a reservation for anyhotel in the Intercontinental Hotel Group familyand 9 percent of the room rate will be donateddirectly to RIF.MetLife Foundation Helpswith Numerous InitiativesIn addition to sponsoring Program ExcellenceHonors, MetLife Foundation funded six FamiliesMake the Difference trainings, where participantsprepared to present the workshops to parentsin their communities. Finally, more than21,000 Hispanic children pledged to participatein ¡Leamos Juntos!: Let’s Read Together 2007Hispanic Community Reading Challenge.r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a l

16emPloyeeProfilePeter Pateldirector of inforMation SYSteMSreading iS fundaMentalWaShington, d.c.At RIF, even small amounts of money canmake a tremendous difference in the lifeof a child. That’s why technology is soimportant—it allows both volunteers and RIFemployees to work more efficiently, therebysaving money. What I do is behind the scenes,but my reward comes in knowing that whatI do gives our coordinators more time to focuson what matters most: helping kids to discoverthe joy of reading.Gift of Reading Gala HonorsVolunteers and CorporationsBefore a distinguished audience, Reading Is Fundamentalstaged its third annual Gift of ReadingAwards Gala on September 27, 2007, when it wasannounced that Capital One, a lead sponsor of theprogram, would sponsor a Family of Readers programat one site. Themed “Behind Every Book Is aStory,” the black-tie event honored three organizations—Verizon,Kiwanis International, andThe Washington Post—for their ongoing contributionsto children’s literacy.RIF’s gala program also featured presentationsfrom recipients of the 2007 Anne RichardsonRIF Volunteer of the Year Award (VOYAs) (seepage 15). These three coordinators spoke abouttheir experiences distributing books to disadvantagedchildren and the impact RIF has hadon the children in their communities. EachVOYA winner was also delighted when it wasannounced that Capital One, a lead sponsor ofthe program, would sponsor a Family of Readersprogram at one site of each VOYA’s RIF program.An Important Message to ParentsIn RIF’s new public service campaign, various read-ing role models help remind parents of theimportant role they play in nurturing the languageskills of their young children. In a radio spot broadcaston stations targeting African-Americans, BenCarson, M.D., a world-renowned pediatric surgeon,tells how he struggled with reading. In a spot airingon Spanish television, Neida Sandoval, a popularUnivision newscaster and mother of twins, talksabout how reading to young children preparesthem for success in school.RIF in the NewsIn 2007, RIF local programs, national initiatives,and partner promotions helped generate morethan 1,100 news mentions in print, broadcast, andonline outlets. Overall, this news coverage translatesinto nearly 152 million “impressions”—a term used to evaluate the impact of promotionalexposure. With the launch of the RIF MulticulturalLiteracy Campaign, RIF increased its outreachto news outlets reaching African-American,Hispanic, and Native American households.Celebrating Myriad CulturesIn support of RIF’s multicultural literacy initiative,we added a new section to the RIF Reading Planetwebsite (www.readingplanet.org). Aptly titled“Heritage Shelf,” the section debuted in May 2007to showcase National Asian/Pacific American HeritageMonth. Since then, RIF has celebrated threeother heritage months—Caribbean American,Hispanic American, and American Indian—withcultural resources, books, games, music, videos,and downloadable activities.r e a di ng is f u n da m en ta l

4.6 millionchildren selected 16million RIF books lastyear to keep as their own.

RIF Supporters20r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a lWe are gratefulto our generousdonors whohelp us openthe minds,imaginations,and worldsof the childrenwe serve.Following are multiyeargrantors who continuedto support our missionin FY2007 and who havebeen recognized in previousannual reports:MultiyearCapital One FinancialCorporationThe New York LifeFoundationInterContinentalHotels GroupMetLife FoundationOrganizations thatsupported RIF fromOctober 1, 2006 toSeptember 30, 2007include:DistinguishedBenefactors($1 million and above)Macy’s, Inc.Benefactors($250,000–$999,999)Colgate-PalmoliveCompanyDollar GeneralCorporationPlatinum Circle($100,000–$249,999)America’s CharitiesJohnson & JohnsonMcSweeney Family TrustNestlé USANestlé USA—Employee GivingThe ARAMARKCharitable FundUGI Utilities, Inc.Gold Circle($50,000–$99,999)General Dynamics CorporationMazda Foundation(USA), Inc.The Pitney Bowes Literacy andEducation Fund, Inc.The Sallie Mae FundSilver Circle($25,000–$49,999)Burlington NorthernSanta Fe FoundationThe Freed Foundation, Inc.Heart SingKaplan Test Prepand AdmissionsCommonwealthBusiness Media, Inc.National Basketball AssociationScholastic Inc.Sun Chemical CorporationUS AirwaysBronze Circle($10,000–$24,999)Armstrong, Fleming& Moore, Inc.Bound to Stay BoundBooks, Inc.California CommunityFoundationCAM Publishing Group, Inc.ChevronFidelity InvestmentsFox Point LimitedClaire Giannini FundMississippi Band ofChoctaw IndiansPearson FoundationThe Pfeffer FoundationPitney Bowes, Inc.Rundgren FoundationTarget CorporationThe Washington PostCompanyGMAC ResCapPatrons($5,000–$9,999)AflacAmeriprise FinancialGift Matching ProgramAT&T Services, Inc.Barbour Griffith& Rogers, LLCThe Boeing CompanyCalvert Group, Ltd.Education.comFidelity ManagementTrust CompanyGeneral DynamicsArmament andTechnical ProductsGMAC - RFCLisa and DouglasGoldman FundGreater HorizonsGuilford Publications, Inc.I Do FoundationKaplan PublishingKappa Kappa Gamma-Epsilon Rho ChapterLimited Brands FoundationThe New YorkCommunity TrustNewsweekThe Eric and Joan NorgaardCharitable TrustPinola Family FoundationSisco Family FundSouthern CompanyState Farm Insurance CompanyThe TJX Foundation, Inc.Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.Wiebe Charitable FoundationSponsors($2,500–$4,999)Bailey Family FoundationBloomberg L.P.Books-A-Million, Inc.Byeway Books, Inc.Candlewick Press, Inc.EADS North AmericaFidelity Investments EmployeeGivingThe Robert and MaryHaft Foundation, Inc.HarperCollins PublishersJRS Dryfoos CharitableLead TrustThe Kiplinger FoundationLockheed Martin CorporationThe Parenting Group, Inc.Random House, Inc.Southern California Institutefor Fan Interests, Inc.Partners($1,000–$2,499)AKJ BooksAllied Insurance Brokers, Inc.The Allyn Foundation, Inc.Ameritrade ClearingAvon Products, Inc.Beta Zeta Chapter-Kappa Kappa GammaC. Blohm & Associates, Inc.Gary D. Bowman& AssociatesCapital GroupCompanies, Inc.Carrier, Blackman& Associates, P.C.Citigroup Global ImpactFunding TrustPhilippe Citron CharitableFoundation TrustColumbia UniversityCurvey Family FoundationDelta Omicron ChapterKappa Kappa GammaDelta Phi Chapter ofKappa Kappa GammaDevanlay US, Inc.-DBA LacosteDickinson CollegeEpsilon Alpha Chapterof Kappa Kappa GammaEpsilon Phi Chapterof Kappa Kappa GammaEpsilon Zeta Chapterof Kappa Kappa GammaEta Alpha ChapterKappa Kappa GammaFidelity Charitable Gift FundFitch RatingsGamma Pi Chapterof Kappa Kappa GammaGlobal ImpactGray Charitable TrustH&R BlockHarmony Fund, Inc.Holland & Knight CharitableFoundation, Inc.Hudson NewsHudson, Ink.Jewish Communal FundJustGive.OrgNational Associationof BroadcastersNelson Mullins Riley& Scarborough, LLPNext Jump, Inc.Peterson Family FoundationThe Progressive InsuranceFoundationRamsey-Mahwah HolidayInn ExpressGrace Rapinchuk CharitableFoundation, Inc.The Annette Urso RickelFoundation, Inc.Renah Blair Rietzke Family &Community Foundation, Inc.Sanderson Farms, Inc.The Sandra Salvo SilvermanReading Center, Inc.Spokane Valley HolidayInn ExpressSouthfield InvestmentManagement, LLC.Wm. B. EerdmansPublishing CompanyZeta Omicron-KappaKappa GammaIn-Kind ListArnold & PorterArthur H. WhiteLeapFrog SchoolHouseOppenheim Toy PortfolioPamela K. PfefferRandom House, Inc.Scholastic Inc.r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a l 21

Individual Donors22r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a lIndividuals thatsupported RIF fromOctober 1, 2006 toSept 30, 2007 include:Honored Benefactors($25,000 and above)Nelson DolandLynda Johnson RobbJohn F. and Judith B. RemondiBenefactors($10,000–$24,999)Marcia and Frank CarlucciSusan and Robert DiamondClaude A. MayberryAlexandra Armstrongand Jerry J. McCoyPamela K. and Philip M. PfefferJohn F. PolsteinMr. and Mrs. WilliamM.E. Rachal, Jr.Literacy Champions($5,000–$9,999)James BarksdaleSpencer Glendon and Lisa TungPhil and Roberta HortonJuanita James and DudleyWilliamsDavid C. WeinsteinLink WilsonLiteracy Leaders($2,500–$4,999)Mark ArzoumanianM. Douglas and Jill DunnMary and Robert HaftDavid and Vivien HarperRobert T. JandernoaVenkatarama R. KoppakaGabrielle and Jeffery MillerMarion and Ruth NadlerPamela K. and Philip M. PfefferBruce and Marcia QuinnellDavid J. SternRobin and John WendlerLiteracy Partners($1,000–$2,499)Shakeel A. BarkatLoretta BarrettAlfred R Berkeley, IIIWilliam J. Brockand Kathy M. McGownStephen and Kate BuddMary Anne CaseyKimberly CashinLee Clarke and Kristin NeunJay and Cynthia CohanEdward and Debbie CorryRobert DennisLloyd J. Derricksonand Katherine D. OrtegaKen and Susan FeickMike and Miriam FerrisJeffrey and Betsy GalginaitisCherie Hendersonand David PoppeCarol M. InfusinoConnie M. JamesonLuci Baines Johnsonand Ian TurpinBrian and Terri KaisnerDavid and Pamela LeonardEarl and Sharon LichtensteinCaroline and Philip LoughlinWilliam G. and Mary S. LycanChip and Dawilla MadsenRoberta F. MarshallMary S. MillerAlexandra NashMargaret McNamara PastorPatricia PuricelliEdward W. Masonand Virginia L. RiggertCarol H. RascoCarol B. SiscoMartin B. SpringerRichard and Nancy StigginsDaniel and Magdalena TostesonJay and Marti WeaverRoma R. WehdeJessie Woolley-WilsonJean WuFriends of RIF($250–$999)Rosalind and Robert AbernathyWanda AbreuDavid and Marilyn AldrichTimothy J. AllenDiane AndersonKirsten A. AndersonJanice L. AppletonSteve and Laurie AugustinoRobert and Mary AyalaDennis BachettiLinda J. BarbourStephen and Ernestine BenedictCharles and Karen BerteauTom and Kathy BinghamBetsy BlairCarol BlymireMary L. BowmanVelma BurkeDaniel and Angela Butler-FrancoShelagh A. CallahanRobert ClarkeElizabeth ConkinBrian CorsJulia CoyteBill and Phyllis CrossMichael CrowleyAlice CurtinDonna DanielsBunny DawsonRose DeanVictor DelanoTracey DelbridgeThe Desrochers FamilyCarol A. DirksBarbara J. DobsonTimothy DoughertySindy and David DurhamDale and Melinda EgebergBryan EisenbergKaija EmmonsCharles M. English, Jr.and Brent YountEric FaderMark E. FergusonJohn A. FetchoMichael FishmanSonya FulaniMary FurlowJohn GravesRuth and Glenn GravesBarbara G. HaleyKristy and Joseph HanleyApril HansenJennifer J. HansenElizabeth W. HardwickDaniel D. HarkinsWilliam and Allegra HartleyAmy HeadleyAngela M. HittiRobyn and Brett HodessPatricia and Howard HudsonNeil JaffeDorothy and Andrew JenkinsClifford JensenWayne S. JewDeanna KaneshiroRohini KazaBarbara J. KnightHorst KrisselKristie and Thomas KubalaDonna LeschWilliam S. LewisClara LiAlex MangimelliJulie MangisSandra and Paul MatrangaClaire M. McCarthyRoss and Elisabeth McCoyArthur McMahon, IIIVirginia MerrillSandra MetkoGloria R. MettenAnn Miller andGeorge KomatsoulisKatherine MitsukawaJudith MoakSangeeta NayakDevin NgRodney A. Nielsen, Jr.Jacqueline and Rasim NikovicJane E. O’LearyBarbara L. OlivereMari OstendorfElizabeth H. PaltenDaniel D. PayneLenore PearlmanIva PerlmanDonald R. PetersenEvelyn A. PetschekBarbara A. PikeDaphne C. ReeseGay A. RoanePeter Robinson and Buffy ShuttChristine A. SampsellJames and Joy SawyerArlene D. SchraderNan SchubelAngela SellersGary I. ShimodaMutinta SikauluMargaret E. SmithMollie SmithKim SonnenJaime StamperAnne StanderwickAmy E. StankusJohn TaylorBonnie E. ThomsonAundra UrbanWilliam Van WinkleSuzanne N. ViemeisterFrank WalterJessica WarrenAmanda WaughArthur H. WhiteCasimir WierzynskiGeorge S. WillsJeanie WilsonH. Stanley WindhamJeffrey WolffMichael WynneBrett YeagerPatricia M. ZimbelmanRIF makes every effort to ensure all donor information is accurate. We apologize for any errors or omissions.Please call 877-RIF-READ to report any changes.r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a l 23

RIF Leadership Asof October 1, 2007Officers and Executive CommitteeNational Advisory CouncilJohn RemondiChairmanChief Financial OfficerSallie Mae, Inc.Robert S. DiamondVice ChairmanSenior Consultant (ret.)Lloyd DerricksonSecretaryBoard of DirectorsJessie Woolley-WilsonTreasurerPresident, Blackboard, Inc.William HansenSenior Managing DirectorChartwell Education Group LLCJuanita JamesChief Communications OfficerPitney Bowes, Inc.John F. PolsteinPresidentKaplan Test Prepand AdmissionsCarol Hampton RascoPresident and CEOReading Is Fundamental, Inc.Susan B. BayhFormer first ladyof Indiana, educatorRuth Frankel BoorstinAuthor, editor, and poetMarie Dutton BrownPresident, Marie BrownAssociatesJustin T. ChangPrincipal, Texas Pacific GroupAnnette DwyerPrincipal, AMF DwyerConsultingElizabeth (Betty) HudsonSenior Vice President,Communications NationalGeographic SocietyDr. Dorothy E. JenkinsPresident & CEO, Children’sEducational FoundationWilliam “Chip” MadsenRIF CoordinatorGeorge Davis MeredithPresident & Creative DirectorGianettino & MeredithShaquille O’NealDavid J. SternCommissioner, NationalBasketball AssociationMary Ann Potter StewartVolunteer and advocate forchildren and humane issuesAlberto VitaleConsultant (ret.)George WillsChairman & CEO,Wills & Associates, Inc.Emeriti Members:Alex ArmstrongChair, Armstrong,Fleming & Moore, Inc.Loretta BarrettPresident, LorettaBarrett Books, Inc.Ken BentleyVice President, CommunityAffairs Nestlé USA, Inc.Marcia CarlucciPublic policy advocateChristopher CerfFounding Partner,Sirius Thinking, Ltd.Lon R. GreenbergChairman, President andCEO, UGI CorporationRoberta HortonPartner, Arnold & PorterDr. Claude A. MayberryFounder and CEO,Science WeeklyYolanda NavaJournalist, AuthorMargaret McNamara PastorPolicy makerPamela K. PfefferPhilanthropistBruce A. QuinnellWilliam M.E. Rachal, Jr.Senior Vice President,Corporate FinanceSallie Mae, Inc.Dr. Annette RickelAnnette U. Rickel FamilyFoundationLynda Johnson RobbChair Emerita, Women’sSteve SmithRetired National BasketballAssociation playerDavid WeinsteinExecutive Vice President,Fidelity InvestmentsArthur WhiteVice Chairman,Yankelovich PartnersEmeriti Members:Kathryn W. LumleyDirector, Locust GroveReading CenterJames C. CurveyVice Chairman,Fidelity InvestmentsRuth GravesCenter, Miami Heat, NationalLaura EnslerCharles F. HarrisBasketball AssociationDirector, Early HeadVice President & ExecutiveStart CenterMary Zeiler HaftAdvocate for children’seducation and healthJuwan HowardRetired National BasketballAssociation playerThe Honorable John E. PorterPartner, Hogan & Hartson LLPDaphne Craven ReeseTeacher, literacy advocate,and volunteerDr. Catherine E. SnowProfessor of Education,Editor, HarperCollins PublishersRuth S. HolmbergPublisher Emeritus,The Chattanooga TimesThe Honorable RobertS. McNamaraHarvard Graduate Schoolof EducationThese children cannot make24r e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a land children’s advocatethe choice to read if the opportunityis not available to them.John Remondi, RIF Chairman of the Boardr e a d i n g is f u n d a m e n t a l 25

Summary Balance Sheets As of September 30 (dollar amounts in thousands)Summary Statements of Activities Years ended September 30 (dollar amounts in thousands)Assets 2007 2006Cash $1,102 $1,526Receivable from the U.S. Department of Education 437 191Investments 5,976 5,103Pledges receivable 3,357 3,089Prepaid expenses and other assets 263 233Books receivable for distribution 192 NARevenues 2007 2006Federal Government grants $26,609 $25,694Contributions 5,689 6,369Investment gain/(loss) 835 473Sales of program materials 175 56Royalties 10 25Total revenues 33,318 32,617Property, net 1,347 1,151Total assets $12,674 $11,293Expenses 2007 2006Program servicesLiabilities and net assets 2007 2006Accounts payable and accrued expenses $1,729 $1,301Accrued rent 452 605Total liabilities 2,181 1,906Books for OwnershipFederally funded 24,908 23,745Privately funded 1,622 928Training and distance education 968 1,073Corporate projects 784 850Net assetsUnrestricted 4,977 4,500Temporarily restricted 5,039 4,410Permanently restricted 477 477Total net assets 10,493 9,387Family literacy 501 521Volunteer recognition 131 118Research and assessment 30 130Other 76 156Total program services 29,020 27,521Total liabilities and net assets $12,674 $11,293Support servicesManagement and general 2,171 2,301Fundraising 1,021 1,005Total expenses 32,212 30,827Change in net assets 1,106 1,790Net assets, beginning of year 9,387 7,597Net assets, end of year $10,493 $9,387Source of Funds80% Federal Government Grants 17% Contributions3% Investments, Sales of Program Materials, and RoyaltiesUses of Funds90% Books, Resources and Support for Local RIF Sites7% Management and general 3% FundraisingRIF’s financial records were audited by Raffa, P.C.. For a complete set of audited financial statements, please write to RIF’sChief Financial Officer, Reading Is Fundamental, 1825 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20009.

2007 RIF at a GlanceState Sites Children Books State Sites Children BooksAlabama 183 55,333 231,166 Nebraska 100 5,925 21,257Alaska 104 14,008 64,888 Nevada 76 30,934 105,409Arizona 430 148,134 459,698 New Hampshire 109 10,826 43,747Arkansas 293 34,581 137,321 New Jersey 367 76,074 295,987Michigan Program Helpsthe Next GenerationAt the Civic Park Community School of Flint, Mich., 96 percentof the students are at risk for educational failure. Given thestudents’ very limited access to public libraries, this elementaryschool’s RIF program is often the only means by which they canget regular exposure to books. What makes this program trulyoutstanding, though, is the high level of parental involvement.Many parents are former RIF kids themselves, so they havefirsthand knowledge of just how transformative RIF can be.Family of Readers:Making a DifferenceLocated on the Canadian border, the Franklin-Grand IsleFamily of Readers program in Swanton, Vt., is proof that astrong partnership between parents and teachers is a boon toyoung readers. Thanks in part to Capital One’s $1.25 milliongrant for Family of Readers programs, more than 650 childrenages 0–18 have the chance to experience, along with theirfamilies, the joy of reading. Dedicated volunteers—many ofwhom are parents and teachers—drive a bookmobile aroundthe region to make sure that none of the children are left out.California 2,220 592,624 2,044,646New Mexico 139 38,215 147,449Colorado 425 64,530 230,859New York 1,116 401,513 1,405,123WAConnecticut 201 57,506 227,432N. Carolina 366 94,623 345,745Delaware 55 9,651 31,427N. Dakota 69 8,176 32,080ORMTNDMEMNDC 171 61,121 188,216Florida 780 180,679 675,652Georgia 415 59,801 220,171Hawaii 60 8,434 33,907Idaho 107 11,221 39,695Illinois 938 147,411 558,567Ohio 801 101,603 416,453Oklahoma 183 39,690 136,680Oregon 343 56,265 226,595Pennsylvania 906 219,968 834,868Puerto Rico 138 22,774 73,500Rhode Island 158 50,054 159,260CANVAZIDUTNMWYCOSDNEKSOKIAMOARWIILMIINKYTNOHwvSCNYPANJMDDEDCVANCVTCTNHMARIIndiana 488 146,291 443,796S. Carolina 178 58,475 191,901TXLAMSALGAIowa 293 40,777 153,688Kansas 275 64,696 269,006Kentucky 356 79,091 301,075S. Dakota 168 11,972 43,611Tennessee 323 107,516 403,030Texas 1,275 514,084 1,861,488Number of ChildrenServed by RIF Programs100,000+50,000-100,000HIAKPRVIFLLouisiana 169 44,942 138,131Utah 144 17,920 65,75220,000-50,000Maine 132 19,450 80,773Vermont 98 14,307 60,252Fewer than 20,000Maryland 145 27,174 105,313Virgin Islands 12 3,326 15,522Massachusetts 263 65,717 239,833Michigan 908 164,446 643,853Minnesota 495 133,191 460,314Mississippi 278 79,791 277,528Missouri 418 85,230 288,076Montana 107 11,813 46,497Virginia 454 141,452 503,461Washington 216 61,278 232,648W. Virginia 110 20,944 78,925Wisconsin 366 81,002 322,983Wyoming 41 4,350 19,887Total 18,965 4,600,909 16,635,141Native Language BooksPreserve Cultural HeritageSeventy percent of the families in the Parents as TeachersShared Beginnings RIF program in Gallup, N.M., are Navajo.Due to the flexibility of the RIF book-ordering process, theprogram is able to provide books in the Navajo language.Participating teen parents are excited to select these books toshare with their infants and young children; before RIF, mostof these youngsters did not have a single book in their homes.Now, says the coordinator, “they have books in every room.”Comforting and ConnectingThrough BooksThanks to the work of the Richmond, Va.-based HomeAgainagency, homeless families can see a ray of light in an otherwisedark time. “These families are in a crisis that affects all aspectsof a child’s life,” says the RIF coordinator. To ease that crisis,each year the agency’s RIF program distributes free books to125 children and organizes literacy-related events to promotefamily togetherness. Activities such as puppet storytellinghelp youngsters develop an interest in reading, and also serveas a fun bonding experience for parents and their children.