FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is RIF of NOVA?
RIF of NOVA, also known as Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc., is a nonprofit organization designed to motivate children to read. Children served by RIF of NOVA programs are allowed to choose attractive, new paperback books keep for themselves. Margaret McNamara, a former teacher, started the program in Washington D.C. after she discovered that the young boys she tutored had never owned books. How does RIF of NOVA operate? RIF of NOVA programs distribute books at schools and centers in the City of Alexandria and Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties. Each child served by a RIF of NOVA program chooses one or two books per year, depending on funding. Book distributions — run by teachers, parents, and RIF of NOVA volunteers — are typically held in the school library and feature activities such as storytelling, drama, crafts, and refreshments. How many children does RIF of NOVA serve? Our programs serve almost 20,000 children at 37 schools and sites throughout Northern Virginia. |
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How long has RIF of NOVA been around?
RIF of NOVA was founded in 1972 by what is now the Junior League of Northern Virginia. We've been providing books to underserved children in Northern Virginia for 50 years!
Who runs RIF of NOVA?
RIF of NOVA is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
What is RIF of NOVA's tax status?
RIF of NOVA is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN # is 51-0155758.
How does RIF of NOVA get its funding? Via two major fundraising events! See below.*
RIF of NOVA's Board of Directors works diligently to raise money to cover the costs of books for distributions. We depend on a wide range of funding sources, including grants from charitable foundations, corporations, college and professional sororities, churches, and donations from individuals like you. Federal funds were discontinued in 2011, making donations and fundraising essential to RIF of NOVA's work. We're counting on you to help us continue to provide books to children who desperately need them.
RIF of NOVA was founded in 1972 by what is now the Junior League of Northern Virginia. We've been providing books to underserved children in Northern Virginia for 50 years!
Who runs RIF of NOVA?
RIF of NOVA is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
What is RIF of NOVA's tax status?
RIF of NOVA is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN # is 51-0155758.
How does RIF of NOVA get its funding? Via two major fundraising events! See below.*
RIF of NOVA's Board of Directors works diligently to raise money to cover the costs of books for distributions. We depend on a wide range of funding sources, including grants from charitable foundations, corporations, college and professional sororities, churches, and donations from individuals like you. Federal funds were discontinued in 2011, making donations and fundraising essential to RIF of NOVA's work. We're counting on you to help us continue to provide books to children who desperately need them.
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* Biannual Book It For Books 5K/One-Mile fundraiser RIF of NOVA holds a biannual 5K/One-Mile fundraiser -- Book It For Books -- as one of two major funding campaigns on alternate years. The most recent Book It For Books was held in October 2021, raising over $40,000 for books for NOVA kids thanks to our wonderful sponsors and donors. They are listed here. See photos from Book It 2021 here! |
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* Biannual letter campaign
On non-5K years, RIF of NOVA holds a letter campaign to donors and sponsors. The 2020 appeal featured an extra plus! Donors were asked not only to contribute but to cast a vote for an inspirational woman in their lives. The 2020 campaign was pegged to the centenary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment for women's suffrage to the U.S. Constitution. Thanks to the more than 150 supporters who contributed over $21,000 to help kids read in our community! Read some of our donors' inspirational stories here.
Please...Make a donation to RIF of NOVA today!
On non-5K years, RIF of NOVA holds a letter campaign to donors and sponsors. The 2020 appeal featured an extra plus! Donors were asked not only to contribute but to cast a vote for an inspirational woman in their lives. The 2020 campaign was pegged to the centenary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment for women's suffrage to the U.S. Constitution. Thanks to the more than 150 supporters who contributed over $21,000 to help kids read in our community! Read some of our donors' inspirational stories here.
Please...Make a donation to RIF of NOVA today!
