FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is RIF NOVA?
Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc., also known as RIF NOVA, is a nonprofit organization that provides books to underserved children in order to encourage reading and promote literacy. Children served by RIF NOVA programs are allowed to choose attractive, new paperback books to 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. Click here to learn more! How does RIF NOVA operate? RIF NOVA programs distribute books at Title 1 schools and centers in the City of Alexandria and in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. Each child served by a RIF NOVA program chooses one or two books per year, depending on funding. Book distributions — run by teachers, librarians, parents, and RIF NOVA volunteers — are typically held in the school library and feature activities such as storytelling, drama, crafts, and refreshments. How many children does RIF NOVA serve? Our programs serve 23,000 children throughout Northern Virginia through our Books for Keeps program. We provide books for many, many more via our Donated Books program and other initiatives with corporate and community partners. Click here for details. |
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How long has RIF NOVA been around?
RIF NOVA was founded in 1972 by what is now the Junior League of Northern Virginia. We've been providing books to children in Northern Virginia for over 50 years!
Who runs RIF NOVA?
RIF NOVA is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. No board member receives (or has ever received) any monetary compensation for work on behalf of RIF NOVA.
What is RIF NOVA's tax status?
RIF NOVA is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN # is 51-0155758. A financial statement is available upon written request to the Virginia Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs. Our most recent IRS tax form 990 may be found by clicking here. Our tax information history by year may be found by clicking here.
RIF NOVA was founded in 1972 by what is now the Junior League of Northern Virginia. We've been providing books to children in Northern Virginia for over 50 years!
Who runs RIF NOVA?
RIF NOVA is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. No board member receives (or has ever received) any monetary compensation for work on behalf of RIF NOVA.
What is RIF NOVA's tax status?
RIF NOVA is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN # is 51-0155758. A financial statement is available upon written request to the Virginia Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs. Our most recent IRS tax form 990 may be found by clicking here. Our tax information history by year may be found by clicking here.
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Outside evaluations
We are proud to be a top-rated U.S. nonprofit by GuideStar and Charity Navigator. We have also been selected, after a rigorous review process, to the 2025 Spur Local class of critical local nonprofits. |
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How does RIF NOVA get its funding? Via annual fundraising events and more!
RIF 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. RIF NOVA also participates in the United Way of the National Capital Area and in the annual Federal Combined Federal Campaign. Federal funds were discontinued in 2011, making donations and fundraising essential to RIF NOVA's work. We're counting on you to help us continue to provide books to children who desperately need them. |
CFC # 18818
UWNCA # 8959
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Biannual Book It For Books 5K/One-Mile fundraiser RIF NOVA holds a biannual 5K/One-Mile fundraiser -- Book It For Books -- as its major funding campaign on alternate years. Book It For Books 2025 took place on October 25. The day was fun filled for children and families, with a face-painting station, treats from the Merrifield Silver Diner restaurant, a pop-up by Kendra Scott, books for children to take home to keep, and, of course, our mascot Clifford the Big Red Dog was there with hugs and to cheer the crowd. Sponsors for the 2025 edition of Book It For Books may be found by clicking here. We are grateful for sponsorships and donations even though the race itself has concluded for 2025. If you missed the race, we are happy to have your help and donations at any time in the year! |
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Biannual campaigns
On non-Book It For Books years, RIF NOVA holds a fundraising campaign by a letter appeal or other initiative. Our 2024 initiative was "Book Olympics." Thanks to all who gave to this campaign to support one brand new book each for 20,000 children during academic year 2024-2025. |
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Where do I sign up to help? Click here!
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Please...Make a donation to RIF NOVA today! Because...Books change lives!
Thank you for your support ... each and EVERY year!
Thank you for your support ... each and EVERY year!
