Dollar General Literacy Foundation Awards Nearly $2.6 Million to Support Youth Literacy

Goodlettsville, Tennessee – August 17, 2023 – Today, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) awarded nearly $2.6 million to support over 600 schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations as it celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2023. Recipients plan to use the funds to purchase books, technology, equipment or materials to help extend a brighter future for K-12 students. A complete list of grant recipients is available online at www.dgliteracy.org.
 
“We are proud to award these grants to literacy and education programs across the country and support their meaningful work of expanding children’s joy of reading and creating a foundation for future educational growth,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “We are excited to make a difference in thousands of students’ lives through these donations and look forward to making more positive impacts as we celebrate the Foundation’s 30^th anniversary year.”
 
According to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF)’s 2022 State of American Literacy Research Report, which polled students, parents, teachers, adult learners and experts working to solve America’s literacy challenges, 80 percent of respondents believe low literacy is a problem in the U.S. Today’s youth literacy grants highlight the DGLF’s ongoing commitment to help ensure every individual has access to a quality education so they are equipped to pursue future goals and dreams.
 
The grants add to the Foundation’s more than $13 million grant announcement this spring to support adult, family and summer literacy programs. Founded in 1993, the DGLF has awarded more than $238 million to support nearly 19.6 million individuals improve their lives through literacy and education to date.  The Foundation was founded by Dollar General’s former CEO, Cal Turner, Jr. in honor of his grandfather and DG co-founder, J.L. Turner, who was functionally illiterate.
 
Organizations within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center may apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants supporting youth, family, summer and adult literacy programs at www.dgliteracy.org in January 2024.
 
To shine an additional light on literacy, the DGLF is also currently hosting its fourth annual The Yellow Glasses Project through September 8 (or while supplies last). Customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each, and all proceeds benefit the Foundation.
 
 
About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $238 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 19.6 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.