What is RIF NOVA?
RIF NOVA — Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc. — is a nonprofit organization that provides books to underserved children in order to build home libraries — a key metric to reading success. Children served by RIF NOVA programs choose their own books from an array of age-appropriate options, including board books, picture books, early readers, graphic novels, and chapter books.
How does RIF NOVA operate?
RIF NOVA distributes books at Title 1 schools and child development 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 more books per year, depending on funding. Book distributions are typically held in a school library or classroom and feature activities such as storytelling, drama, crafts, and refreshments. Distributions are created by school or site liaisons — teachers, librarians, parents, and RIF NOVA volunteers. Based on their knowledge of their student populations, liaisons select books from book vendors connected via RIF NOVA.
How many children does RIF NOVA serve?
Our programs serve 20,000+ children throughout Northern Virginia through our Books for Keeps, Authors in Our Schools, and STEAM It Up! programs. We provide books for many, many more via our Donated Books program and other initiatives with corporate and community partners.
How long has RIF NOVA been around?
RIF NOVA was founded in 1972 when what is now known as the Junior League of Northern Virginia established a book program in the City of Alexandria, with assistance from RIF’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C. RIF NOVA was set up as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit in 1975. We’ve been providing books to children in Northern Virginia for over 54 years! Find out more about our history by clicking here.
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.
How does RIF NOVA get its funding?
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. We hold a biannual 5K race — Book It For Books — in odd years and a letter solicitation in even years as our biggest funding efforts.
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. In fiscal year 2025 (the most recent tax year available), administrative costs were just six percent of total expenses. An interest-bearing account covers those expenses, which means that your donations go directly to providing books for children.
Is RIF NOVA recognized in the community?
RIF NOVA is proud to be a top-rated U.S. nonprofit by Candid and Charity Navigator. We have also been selected, after a rigorous review process, as part of the 2025 Spur Local class of critical local nonprofits, an honor that continues through 2029.
Is RIF NOVA different from RIF?
Yes. RIF NOVA is a separate, independent all-volunteer nonprofit. While we are a RIF affiliate organization, RIF NOVA specifically provides books and literacy activities for children in the Northern Virginia area. All funds go directly to support RIF NOVA programming in the City of Alexandria and in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties.
How do I get in touch?
Email us at info@rifnova.org or via the contact option below.