How will the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy work to address our country’s literacy challenge?
Creation of the Fund represents a return to Barbara Bush’s original vision and approach to building a more literate America: providing direct support to reach the families and communities most in need. Rather than operating its own family literacy programs, the Fund will amplify impact by investing in well-respected national and community-based organizations already doing extraordinary work on the ground. It will help ensure that much-needed funding continues to reach high-quality literacy programs, while maintaining the spirit and intent of the generous donors who have supported this vital work over the years.
Why is this transition occurring?
After thoughtful reflection and discussion, the Bush family and the Barbara Bush Foundation’s Board of Directors made the strategic decision to return to Mrs. Bush’s original vision for her literacy efforts: providing direct support through grants to community-based family literacy programs across the country. They believe that creation of the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy at the George & Barbara Bush Foundation is the natural next step in the evolution of the work that she cared about so deeply – one that will allow for even wider reach and deeper impact, while achieving cost efficiencies that maximize donors’ return on investment.
The George & Barbara Bush Foundation is dedicated to preserving the historic legacies of President and Mrs. Bush. It currently fulfills that mission by supporting and promoting education and service-oriented programs at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum and the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University. The George & Barbara Bush Foundation’s Board and staff are proud to serve as the strategic partner in this next chapter of work to continue Mrs. Bush’s remarkable legacy of family literacy.
Who will provide oversight, administrative, and advisory services for the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy?
The Board of Directors of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation will hold fiduciary responsibility for the Fund and is committed to stewarding these resources to support high-impact family literacy initiatives. Their goal is to ensure that all resources and gifts made to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy or the new Fund continue to directly support and advocate for family literacy across America.
Additionally, the Fund will draw on the expertise of a robust network of national family literacy experts to help preserve and advance Barbara Bush’s legacy of literacy.
Will my past donations to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy still be used to support literacy work?
Yes. All past donations to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, in addition to any future donations to the new Fund, will be used to support nationwide literacy programs and advocacy efforts.
How can I make a gift to the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy?
You may visit the Donation page to make a tax-deductible donation.
How will this impact the programs provided by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy?
Many of the Barbara Bush Foundation’s active programs have been paused during this transition period. The George & Barbara Bush Foundation will retain all assets and resources from previous programming for potential future use in alignment with the organization’s focus on grantmaking.
How can my program apply for a grant from the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy?
Details on the Fund’s grantmaking process and timeline are not yet available. Please check back for updates.
How can I receive future updates about the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy?
We will continue to update the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy page, as well as the FAQ, as additional information becomes available. We also encourage you to follow the Foundation on social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn).