IAN Literacy Playbook Grant Funding Opportunity

IAN Literacy Playbook Grant Funding Opportunity is sponsored by Indiana Afterschool Network (funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.). This initiative provides grant funding to out-of-school time (OST) organizations with tools, training, and resources to improve literacy outcomes.

Indiana Afterschool Network Launches Statewide Initiative to Strengthen Reading Outcomes - Indiana Afterschool Network Indiana Afterschool Network Launches Statewide Initiative to Strengthen Reading Outcomes October 13, 2025 (Indianapolis, IN) – Reading is the foundation for learning and success in school, work, and life. Yet too few Indiana elementary students read proficiently.

To help address this challenge, the Indiana Afterschool Network (IAN) is launching the IAN Literacy Playbook , a new statewide initiative funded with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., that equips out-of-school time (OST) programs with the tools, training, and resources they need to improve literacy outcomes.

The IAN Literacy Playbook is designed to align with Indiana’s literacy goals and train OST educators in the Science of Reading, a proven approach to literacy instruction. Reading is already embedded in afterschool activities – from cooking demonstrations and science experiments to scavenger hunts and art projects.

IAN’s Literacy Playbook builds on this natural integration, helping OST staff incorporate reading best practices that will lead to better results for kids. “Every child deserves the chance to become a confident, capable reader,” said Lakshmi Hasanadka, CEO of the Indiana Afterschool Network.

“The IAN Literacy Playbook recognizes the pivotal role that OST professionals play in young people’s learning every day and gives them practice tools, coaching, and funding to amplify their impact by providing more effective reading instruction. ” Key offerings include a grant funding opportunity for OST organizations . IAN will award up to 150 grants of up to $25,000.

Grants will support OST organizations in areas such as curriculum, professional development, materials and resources, partnership building, program assessments, and staff time. IAN will begin accepting applications from interested eligible organizations on October 13, 2025 . Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available grant funds have been awarded.

Additional future offerings will include: Professional Development : Training and coaching for at least 400 OST professionals statewide. Lesson plans, activity guides, and tools that can fold into tutoring, homework help, and enrichment. Dedicated IAN staff will work directly with grantees, offering guidance to make implementation simple and engaging.

Ongoing Learning Community : Peer-to-peer opportunities to share ideas and sustain momentum. A recognized professional credential in literacy instruction – available to both grant recipients and non-participants – elevating OST staff expertise.

Although progress has been made to improve reading proficiency among children in Indiana, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 34% of the state’s fourth graders scored at or above proficient in reading. Meanwhile, K-5 children in Indiana spend more than 86 million hours annually in OST programs.

By leveraging this time, OST professionals can make a transformational impact on literacy outcomes and future success for young people. “Afterschool programs play a vital role in children’s learning and development,” said Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Vice President for Education. “Through this initiative, these programs will benefit from additional resources and training focused on Science of Reading principles.

We are encouraged by the potential of this initiative to complement classroom instruction and help more Indiana children achieve reading proficiency. ” In 2024, Lilly Endowment made a $9. 5 million grant to IAN to support multi-faceted efforts to build the capacity of organizations that provide out-of-school time programming to use more effective, evidence-based strategies to improve the reading achievement of Indiana children.

Out-of-school time programs and staff are invited to be part of the movement to help all children read. To learn more about the IAN Literacy Playbook, visit www. indianaafterschool.

org/literacyplaybook . IAN is a statewide intermediary that advances learning beyond the school day by actively supporting providers with resources, training, and advocacy, while mobilizing a strong network of community partners. They work to build access to high-quality out-of-school time programs for all youth across Indiana.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.

K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location.

In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. We’ll help you maintain the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to deliver high-quality programs to Indiana’s youth. Help shape a brighter future for kids in Indiana.