1) When was Reading Is FUNdamental Pittsburgh started?
RIF Pittsburgh was started in 1981 by Ms. Marirose Radelet. As she sat on her porch on the Northside and read to her young children, several other neighborhood youth gathered to listen. When she reached the end, the neighborhood children asked Marirose to read another book. She suggested they get one of their own books and she would read it to them. They responded, "We don't have any books." This was the spark that led to the foundation of RIF Pittsburgh.
2) How is RIF Pittsburgh different from the national organization, RIF, Inc.?
RIF Pittsburgh is a local children's literacy organization. Although RIF Pittsburgh is permitted to use the RIF name, it is a separate entity from RIF, Inc. RIF Pittsburgh must do its own fundraising to cover the operating costs for each of its programs, but receives financial support from RIF, Inc. to purchase books for its Books for Keeps program.
3) What does RIF Pittsburgh do?
RIF Pittsburgh is best known for its Books for Keeps program at schools, daycares, churches, medical clinics, food banks, YMCA's and after-school programs. Children are allowed to choose books that interest them and typically receive three to five books per year.
4) What areas of the city or county does RIF Pittsburgh serve?
We serve Pittsburgh and select surrounding communities.
5) Where does RIF Pittsburgh get most of its money?
Most of our funding comes from grants written and requested by the organization's key local staff.
6) What is RIF going to do with my contribution?
Your contribution will strengthen RIF Pittsburgh's outreach by providing free new books to children locally and will ensure we have the tools needed to continue serving the community.
7) Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes, RIF Pittsburgh is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
8) Do children who use these programs have to pay for RIF's services?
No, RIF Pittsburgh has never charged for any programs or services. RIF Pittsburgh pays its own operating costs. All children participate free of charge.
9) How does a student or school qualify to receive RIF Pittsburgh benefits?
Sites are chosen for the Books for Keeps program based on economic need and the number of children receiving free lunches in the school.
10) Why is RIF seeking new sources of funding?
RIF Pittsburgh must diversify and increase its funding to maintain its financial future and secure a wider outreach throughout the region. Foundations do not guarantee annual contributions and, in fact, encourage organizations to garner support through fundraising. Therefore, RIF Pittsburgh is seeking increased funding from generous individuals and corporations.
