The Barbara Bush Foundation
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (based in Washington, DC) advances adult and family literacy through grants, programs, research, and resources for educators and families. The website publishes annual reports, news, and program information and is linked from Charity Navigator and the organization's IRS Form 990. It provides resources, donation options, and information about its leadership and impact.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-medium nonprofit, school district, or public charity running adult or family literacy programs with project budgets in the low five-figure range and clear measurable outcomes.
Good Fit
- • Primary program focus on adult, family, or basic literacy education.
- • Budget and request size aligned with past grants (~$7K–$25K).
- • Ability to show measurable impacts for learners and families.
- • Track record or partnerships in states the funder has recently supported (e.g., FL, DC, MO, MN).
- • Willingness to engage via direct contact rather than through a public RFP.
Geography
Grants observed across multiple states rather than a single city or county; the latest year included recipients in four states with recurring historical concentration in Florida and operations based in DC.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded five to seven distinct recipients each year in the observed period, mostly independent charities and school districts, with several repeat grantees and some newcomers—indicating a moderate, not expansive, variety.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows new recipients appearing in recent years (multiple new grantees in 2023 and one new in 2024), which suggests new entrants can be funded, but no public application process was found so openness cannot be confirmed as broadly competitive.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
