Early Literacy Grant Program
The Colorado Early Literacy Grant Program funds evidence-based K-3 reading instruction, interventions, and professional development to improve early literacy outcomes in Colorado schools.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Early Literacy Professional Learning Grant) | March 2027 (Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant)
Funding Amounts: Comprehensive Early Literacy Grants: 4-year awards; Professional Learning Grants: annual awards; amounts vary by project scope and LEP size.
Summary: Supports Colorado schools and districts in implementing and sustaining evidence-based K-3 reading instruction, interventions, and professional development.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.
Description
The Early Literacy Grant Program, authorized under the Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act, provides funding to local education providers (LEPs)—including school districts, BOCES, and charter schools—to strengthen early literacy outcomes for K-3 students. The program supports the implementation and sustainability of scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction, system-wide literacy infrastructure, and multi-tiered support systems. Funding may be used for instructional programming, professional development, assessments, coaching, and targeted or intensive interventions, all aligned to the READ Act requirements. The program consists of two primary opportunities: the Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant (multi-year, system-wide improvement) and the Early Literacy Professional Learning Grant (annual, focused on educator professional development).
