Community Grant Keeps Literacy Charity Running in Southern Highlands
A grassroots literacy organisation in the Southern Highlands is increasing its community presence after securing support through a local grant.
Reading Friends Australia, a non-profit that provides trained volunteers to primary schools to assist children with reading practice, has used funding to boost visibility through community events, signage and outreach.
The funding was awarded in 2025 through the Southern Highlands Community Foundation’s (SHCF) Community Grants Program, supported by a donation from the PAYCE Foundation.
Reading Friends Chair Luciana De Michiel said securing funding for day-to-day operations had been challenging since the charity launched in 2019.
“Requests for funding are typically project-based. There’s very limited opportunity,” Ms De Michiel said.
She said changes to eligibility criteria last year allowed Reading Friends to apply for the first time.
The organisation has a strong presence in the Southern Highlands, operating in 11 of the region’s 13 public primary schools, with more than half of its volunteers based locally.
Despite growing support through local volunteers Ms De Michiel said “many people” were still unaware of the charity.
“This grant has been very useful so we don’t have to fundraise just for visibility.”
National research has shown literacy remains a widespread challenge, with around one in three Australian children not reading at age-appropriate levels.
“This can result in low self-esteem in children, creating long-term struggles with education, training, and future employment,” Ms De Michiel said.
She said the goal is to launch the reading program into schools across Australia.
“We’re happy to support anyone to launch on their own,” Ms De Michiel said.
“We can provide training and materials. Anything to get help to the kids.”
PAYCE Foundation Director Sophie Boyd said the initiative aligned with the foundation’s focus on early intervention and community-led solutions.
“Improving literacy outcomes early can have a lasting impact on a child’s confidence, education and future opportunities.”
