Launch Grant

Launch Grant is sponsored by Indiana Afterschool Network. This is a non-competitive funding opportunity for programs looking to build or expand their literacy programming, with flexible use of funds aligned to local program needs.

IAN Literacy Playbook Funding Get Funding for Your Out-of-School Time Literacy Programming Learn More About Grant Opportunities to support your literacy efforts Which Grant is Right for Your Program? Programs looking to build or expand their literacy programming.

Non-competitive funding opportunity Flexible use of funds aligned to local program needs No required curriculum or common assessments Lighter reporting and administrative expectations Application Deadline: April 30, 2026. The grant may close sooner, as funding is limited and awards are being made on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as you are ready.

*apply for up to 3 sites within one organization Preview the Application Questions Download the Budget Template Programs ready to pilot and implement our new statewide literacy framework in deep partnership with IAN.

Competitive grant with 20 total awardees Requires implementation of IAN's new statewide literacy framework in the 2026-2027 school year Includes additional reporting tied to assessment use and implementation fidelity At least one designated staff member must earn the upcoming the Science of Reading OST Credential Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 Preview the Application Questions Download the Budget Template Watch the Grantee Readiness Webinars Launch Grant Readiness Webinar Build Grant Readiness Webinar Frequently Asked Questions APPLICATION AND TIMELINE: How do I apply for the Launch Grant?

Applications can be submitted online here . The application includes basic program information, a description of how you’ll use the funds, and a budget. What is the timeline for the application process?

Applications opened on October 15, 2025 and will be accepted on a rolling basis. The application will remain open until April 30, 2026, or earlier if all funds are awarded. Early application is strongly encouraged.

What documentation is required for the application? Aside from narrative responses, organizational documentation uploads include: 501(c)3 documentation, an example of a weekly program calendar or schedule, an example of curriculum or program plan, an example of a weekly staffing schedule, and an upload of the provided budget proposal. You can find a budget template here , and here is a copy of PDF questions so you know what to prepare.

How will I know if my application has been approved? Most applicants receive a decision within 2 weeks of submission, followed by a prompt notification about the outcome, provided the application and all supporting documents have been completed correctly. Please be sure to check your email (including your spam folder) regularly for communication from IAN.

If my organization has more than one program, can I apply for multiple locations? Yes, you may apply for up to three (3) programs/sites. Each site will require its own application.

Awarded funding will be considered per site, and can only be used at the site indicated on the application. Funds cannot be pooled or transferred between sites. A site is defined as a specific location where a program takes place.

Will technical assistance be provided? Yes. Grantees will receive access to a dedicated member of our Literacy Team, professional development sessions on Science of Reading Practices, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.

Do I need to be an expert in the Science of Reading to apply? No. This grant is designed to support your growth. All eligible organizations are encouraged to apply, whether you’re just beginning or already using Science of Reading best practices.

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTATION: What are the eligibility criteria for the Launch Grant? Eligible applicants may be any afterschool, community, or library program that desires to help youth improve reading, writing, or language skills through intentional, evidence-based, and engaging literacy experiences.

Organizations must: – Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing – Operate in Indiana and serve youth in grades K–5 – Provide at least 5 hours per week of structured, supervised OST programming – Demonstrate readiness to implement or expand literacy supports aligned with research-based practices – Submit a budget, timeline, and justification for proposed use of funds – Commit to participation in technical assistance, professional development, and data collection activities led by IAN Are there any reporting requirements after the funding terms?

Yes. You must submit a report after the funding term, and more details will be provided once you are funded. Recipients must submit a mid-point progress report (a brief narrative and budget update) as well as a final report with outcomes, lessons learned, and how funds were spent.

Additional requested information includes the number of youth served through the grant funding, literacy strategies implemented during the experience, feedback on the implementation materials and practices, and evidence of staff participation and progress regarding literacy implementation. Can I apply if I already receive other literacy funding?

Yes, as long as you can clearly show how this grant will complement — not duplicate — existing funds. FUND USAGE AND GUIDELINES: My program already incorporates literacy and Science of Reading best practices. Can I use the funds towards existing programming?

Yes! The Literacy Playbook is designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of your program, whether you are building something from scratch or already have systems in place. What is the maximum amount of funding available?

The maximum funding award for is calculated using the provided budget template. Organizations may be awarded between $5,000 and $25,000 per application. The completed budget proposal may not exceed the calculated amount.

See the provided budget template for help crafting your budget.

Funds can be used for literacy curriculum, professional development on literacy practices, literacy materials and resources, partnership building for literacy events or shared resources, technology or tools used for direct literacy instruction, staff time for literacy lesson planning or implementation of programming directly with youth, and print materials used for literacy programming.

Funding may not be used for regular operating costs, food, snacks, prizes, college or graduate tuition, advertising or marketing, or technology that is not directly used for literacy instruction. How long do I have to use the funds? Applicants will have six months from acceptance to utilize the funds.

Unspent funds must be returned or reallocated with approval from the Indiana Afterschool Network. APPLICATION AND TIMELINE: How do I apply for the Build Grant? Applications for the Build Grant closed on March 13, 2026.

What is the timeline for the application process? Applications opened on February 1, 2026, and will close on March 13, 2026. Proposals will be reviewed mid-March to mid-April.

Grantee selection will occur the week of April 20. What documentation is required for the application? Applications require narrative responses to application questions, a budget proposal using the required template, and documentation of a school or community partnership (recommended).

Application materials are reviewed by external reviewers with experience in literacy and out-of-school-time programming. What is the statewide literacy framework? The statewide literacy framework is a research-based approach developed by IAN to help programs strengthen how they support children’s literacy beyond the school day.

Designed specifically for OST settings, the framework focuses on building language, vocabulary, and knowledge through structured routines, high-quality read-alouds, and engaging, literacy-aligned enrichment activities. The framework also includes expectations for school partnership, staff training, coaching, and the use of common literacy assessments.

Through our “Build Grant”, IAN is working with OST programs to refine the framework before expanding it statewide. What are the core components we are expected to implement for the Playbook’s Build Grant? Core components are the parts of the OST Literacy Framework that every Build grantee program must use.

These include: – Language comprehension – building vocabulary, knowledge, and meaningful talk through structured routines – Structured read-aloud routines – modeling comprehension and guiding purposeful discussion – School partnership and aligned planning – working with at least one elementary school to coordinate goals and communication – Assessment and progress monitoring – using the required common literacy assessments to understand student growth – Coaching and learning community participation – engaging in high-touch coaching and statewide professional learning – Staff preparation and credentialing – designating at least one staff member to complete the OST Science of Reading Credential and lead internal implementation Additionally, programs are encouraged, but not required, to include: – Literacy-aligned enrichment activities – integrating literacy concepts into STEM, arts, and project-based learning – Family literacy engagement – supporting families in reinforcing literacy at home What reporting is required through the Playbook’s Build Grant?

Grantees will be required to report on: student literacy progress; use of funds; school partnership activities; and implementation fidelity (e.g. delivering the framework consistently, participating in coaching, using the required assessments, and working closely with school partners). Do we need a staff member to obtain the Science of Reading OST Credential?

Yes, every Build Grant grantee organization must designate at least one staff member to obtain the credential and help lead the implementation of the framework. Your grant funds can be used to cover staff time for training and literacy work. If your only credentialed staff member leaves the organization during the grant cycle, grantees must identify a new staff member to become credentialed.

What assessments are required? All grantees use the common literacy assessments designed specifically for OST environments. Programs may add supplemental tools if helpful.

What is the OST Literacy Program Distinction? A recognition for grantees that implement the framework with high quality and consistency. Distinction is based on implementation, partnerships, student progress, and engagement in coaching.

Programs that demonstrate strong implementation will be prioritized for future grant opportunities as the framework expands statewide. What support will Build grant grantees receive? Programs benefit from high-touch coaching; technical assistance; participation in statewide learning communities; and access to tools, training, and implementation support.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Build Grant?

Applying organizations must: – Be an established out-of-school time programs that serve K-5 youth – Demonstrate a readiness to implement structured literacy programming aligned with our OST Literacy Framework (this includes maintaining a consistent schedule of weekly instructional time; staff who can deliver structured literacy routines; a working partnership with at least one elementary school; and capacity to participate in coaching, use assessments, and collect data Programs serving multilingual learners and/or students with disabilities will receive priority consideration.

How much literacy instructional time is required for a program to be eligible for the Build Grant? Programs must show enough weekly time for meaningful literacy development. There is no set minimum, but schedules must demonstrate consistent, structured literacy programming.

Do we need a school partner to apply? Yes, applicants must demonstrate: – An established or emerging relationship with at least one elementary school. – Shared goals and regular communication.

– Agreement to participate in data-sharing practices. – Joint planning and alignment where possible. If your school partner changes leadership or priorities during the grant cycle, grantees should communicate those changes to IAN.

Adjustments can be made as long as partnership alignment continues. Can we apply for the Build Grant if we’ve already applied for or received the Launch Grant? Yes – programs my apply for either or both opportunities if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Engagement with the Launch Grant does not prevent you from applying for the Pilot Grant. Can we reuse answers if we apply for multiple grants from the Literacy Playbook? Yes, answers can be repurposed as long as they match the requirements of each grant opportunity.

How much funding is available through the Build Grant? Programs may receive up to $100,000 per year, for two years. What can the funds be used for?

Allowable expenses include: – Literacy curriculum and materials – Staff time for planning, training, and instruction – Professional development, including the OST Science of Reading Credential – Assessment tools and data systems – School partnership activities – Supplies or technology used for literacy instruction Funding may not be used for regular operating costs (rent, utilities, decorations), food, snacks, prizes, college or graduate tuition, advertising or marketing, travel or activities not connected to literacy, or technology that is not directly used for literacy instruction.

Can funds cover credential-related staffing costs? Yes, staff time for training and literacy work is allowable. Have additional questions?

Contact us at literacy@indianaafterschool. org The IAN Literacy Playbook 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.