FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is RIF of NOVA?
Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc., also known as RIF of NOVA, is a nonprofit organization that provides books to underserved children in order to encourage reading and promote literacy. Children served by RIF of 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 of NOVA operate? RIF of 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 of NOVA program chooses one or two books per year, depending on funding. Book distributions — run by teachers, librarians, 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 20,000+ children throughout Northern Virginia through our Books for Keeps program. We provide books for many, many more via our Give Books program and other initiatives with corporate and community partners. Click here for details. |
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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 over 50 years!
Who runs RIF of NOVA?
RIF of 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 of NOVA.
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 over 50 years!
Who runs RIF of NOVA?
RIF of 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 of NOVA.
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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. 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. We are proud to be a top-rated U.S. nonprofit by GuideStar and Charity Navigator. |
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How does RIF of NOVA get its funding? Via annual fundraising events!
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 its major funding campaign on alternate years. The most recent Book It For Books was held in October 2023, raising over $60,000 for books for NOVA kids thanks to our wonderful sponsors and donors. They are listed here. See photos from Book It 2023 by clicking here! |
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Biannual campaigns
On non-5K years, RIF of NOVA holds a fund-raising campaign by a letter appeal or other initiative. Our 2024 initiative is "Book Olympics," in celebration of the Summer Olympic games in Paris. Some elements of the campaign have already launched! Click here for info! |
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Where do I sign up to help? Click here!
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Please...Make a donation to RIF of NOVA today! Because...Books change lives!
Thank you for your support ... each and EVERY year!
Thank you for your support ... each and EVERY year!
