Championing Strong K-12 Literacy in Arizona

Arizona Humanities introduces AZ Reads, a new initiative to launch innovative and engaging literacy programs in K-12 schools in Arizona. AZ Reads provides support for literacy programs led by Arizona educators in partnership with K-12 schools and nonprofits that serve Arizona schools.

Arizona Humanities provides books, program supplies, author visits, and more, for Arizona students. Apply to receive funding up to $2,000.

Application Opens : January 15, 2026

Deadline for Submissions: March 1, 2026

Funding Period: June 1, 2025 – June 1, 2026

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AZ Reads Proposals

*Applications for 2025 are closed. Please check back here on January 15, 2026.

We invite programs proposals that foster literacy in the humanities, including but not limited to:

Reading and discussion programs
Storytelling and creative writing
Peer-to-peer learning and discussion
Cultural learning/sharing

If you are unsure about whether your program fosters literacy and engages the humanities, please contact us!

We welcome program proposals from teachers in any discipline, school librarians, community librarians, and administrators. Literacy programs can target a specific group, class, grade, school, or district.

How to Apply

Please preview the sample application here. This will help you know what to consider as you create your proposal.

The online application requires the following:

Brief School Bio
Program Description
Timeline
Budget Narrative*

Once a proposal is submitted Arizona Humanities staff may reach out to discuss details or ask clarifying questions. Please note that this is a competitive process, and not every program will be funded.

Funding Priorities:

Special consideration will be given to programs in public schools, especially Title I schools and those that directly serve traditionally underserved communities.

Underserved communities include Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities (e.g., IEP/504); ELL students; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.