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 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 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 underserved 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.
RIF 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 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.
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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. We are proud to be a top-rated U.S. nonprofit by GuideStar and Charity Navigator. |
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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. The CFC's most recent pledge season ended January 15, 2025. 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 is back! The date: October 25, 2025. And there's a new option...a 10K for more serious runners, plus the 5K and One-Mile options! The day will be fun filled for children and families, with a face-painting station, books for children to take home to keep, and, of course, our mascot Clifford the Big Red Dog will be there with hugs and to cheer the crowd. Book It For Books 2025 will take place at Lake Accotink Park in Fairfax, Virginia. And you can sign up now by clicking right here to run or walk! Information about sponsorships for this major event can be found by clicking here. |
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Biannual campaigns
On non-Book It For Books years, RIF NOVA holds a fund-raising campaign by a letter appeal or other initiative. Our 2024 initiative was "Book Olympics." Thanks to all who gave to this initiative, we are well on our way to raising the funds we need to supply new books to 20,000+ deserving children in Northern Virginia for 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!
