Pi beta phi literacy GRANTS

Through the Pi Beta Phi Literacy Grant Program, Pi Beta Phi chapters and alumnae clubs can nominate local organizations and community partners for a $2,000 grant to purchase new books and school supplies for children in need. 

Pi Phi partners with First Book to distribute Literacy Grants, formerly FDS500 Grants, in the form of gift certificates to the First Book Marketplace, where recipients can make purchases based on the unique needs of the community they serve. We are excited to award 75 grants in 2024! Ready to nominate an organization in your community? Nominations will be accepted September 15-October 31, 2024. 

nominate an organization

To qualify for a Pi Beta Phi Literacy Grant, a recipient must meet First Book’s eligibility criteria. Organizations or programs where at least 70% of those served come from low-income families are automatically eligible.  

Examples include Title I-eligible schools, libraries or museums, after-school or youth programs, shelter and healthcare providers, military family support programs, faith-based organizations, and many more! 

Visit fbmarketplace.org/eligibility-faqs for more information. 

  1. Notify the local organization or community partner of your intent to nominate them. 
  2. Request that the organization register for its free First Book membership at fbmarketplace.org/register. 
  3. Complete the nomination form linked above. 

  • Nominations will be accepted from September 15 to October 31, 2024. 
  • A team of Fraternity volunteers and staff members review nominations. 
  • Chapters and alumnae clubs will be notified of the status of their nomination the week of November 18. 
  • Selected recipients will receive instruction on how to access their grant the week of November 25. 
  • Grant recipients will have until the end of February to spend their grant dollars in the First Book Marketplace. 

Questions related to the Literacy Grant Program can be directed to Pi Beta Phi Headquarters at literacy@pibetaphi.org.  

View Past Recipients

Congratulations to the 2023 FDS500 Recipients

At Pi Beta Phi, we believe reading is a powerful step toward a life of enduring impact. Through our ...

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Congratulations to the 2022 FDS500 Recipients

At Pi Beta Phi, we believe reading is a powerful step toward a life of enduring impact. Members ...

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The Pi Beta Phi Literacy Grant Program is funded through generous gifts to The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation and its support of Pi Phi's Read > Lead > Achieve initiatives, visit pibetaphi.org/foundation.  

We believe in the power of reading

For more than a century, we've worked to inspire a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential, creating a more literate and productive society. Today, Pi Phis participate, donate and advocate for literacy through our Read > Lead > Achieve® reading initiatives — just as our sisters first did in 1912. 

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