From Screen Time to Story Time: Keep Kids Learning All Summer!

It is officially summer! The weather is warming up, school is out, and the kids are already bored, asking for snacks twenty times a day! (If you know, you know.)

With the change of season, many families experience a shift in routine: later nights, days by the pool, sleeping in, and maybe... gasp more screen time! While there's no shame in enjoying a good summer movie or video game, increased screen time and decreased engagement in reading and math can contribute to the dreaded "summer slide"—a loss of academic skills that may set kids back in the new school year. Luckily, there is something parents can do to help keep their kids' brains engaged over the summer months: reading! Reading and literacy activities are essential tools to combat summer learning loss, keeping young minds active and curious. If your kids aren’t excited about reading, stop by your local library! Many have summer reading programs with special events and incentives to keep it fun!

In this newsletter, Christiana shares valuable insights into the importance of literacy for young (and not-so-young) minds. You’ll also find some great funding opportunities and events to check out. Let’s make this summer break a time for literacy and enrichment!

Have you heard? Ghost Writer is now a certified Women's Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Small Business!

After years of preparation, we are now officially certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council! These two new certifications open up opportunities for us and our clients including federal government contracts, increased private sector partnerships, business development support, and specialized education and networking. They enable growth for Ghost Writer and our clients by allowing us to fully leverage federal funding programs that mandate contracts with businesses like ours. Read more here.

Looking for assistance with grants, RFP's, or other development projects?

Contact us today for all of your federal contracting or subcontracting needs!

Literacy Opportunity Fund  - Due July 1st!

Awards grants up to $6,000 to literacy organizations of all types and sizes that are doing direct work with adult students. Apply for a grant to fund your organization’s general operating expenses, such as salaries or teacher stipends, supplies or equipment, space rental, and more. Or, apply for a Literacy Opportunity award to fund a particular project, event, or new programming development. Generously funded by the Nora Roberts Foundation up to $6,000. Applications accepted quarterly, with the next period ending July 1st. More details can be found here.

Virginia Humanities Regular Grants - LOI Due July 1st!

The Virginia Humanities Grant, awarded biannually in summer and winter, offers between $5,000 and $20,000 for projects to be completed within twelve months. The next application cycle opens on June 1, 2024, with Letters of Intent due by July 1. Eligible applicants include those organizing community forums, history projects, academic conferences with public components, K-12 curriculum resources, exhibits, festivals, and more. All information can be found here.

Dauphin County Local Share Gaming 2024-2025 Grant

Proposed projects must fall within at least one of the qualifying categories: infrastructure and facilities improvements, transportation, emergency services, health and public safety, public interest initiatives, or human services. More information about the application process and timeline can be found here.

Ghost Writer is here to help with the grant application process, from researching to writing and beyond.

Need help? Contact us today!

Next week at the Downtown PA Conference!