The end of the year brings a certain stillness, even amid the bustle. It is in these quieter moments that we often think most clearly about what truly matters.
For those of us who believe that education changes lives, this season is an opportunity to put that belief into action with a meaningful investment in the children and educators shaping tomorrow. Your year-end donations can provide young learners with the tools, opportunities and support that will endure long after the holidays have passed.
We invite you to explore the ways that your end of year giving can make a lasting impact.
Why end of year giving matters for education
Recent reports show that 70 percent of children in low- and middle-income countries cannot yet read and understand a simple story by age 10. And as children grow older, many adolescents, particularly girls, face barriers that make it difficult to stay in school, with 122 million school-age girls not attending school.
Investing in education nonprofits through end of year giving is one of the most effective ways to address these challenges.
In classrooms and libraries around the world, support from donors shows up in practical ways. Students have access to high-quality, engaging books written in their own languages. Educators receive training and coaching in evidence-based teaching techniques. And adolescents build essential life skills that prepare them to navigate school and step confidently into a future of limitless opportunity. 
End of year giving at Room to Read: Why support this work
Room to Read is guided by a clear belief: World Change Starts with Educated Children®. With the support of our donors, we offer a unique, comprehensive model of education in dozens of countries across the world.
Our literacy programming benefits primary school students and educators, and includes local-language storybooks created with local authors and illustrators, child-friendly libraries, and educator training and coaching, among other supports, to help build foundational skills and a lifelong habit of reading.
For older students, our gender equality programming supports adolescents, particularly girls, through a holistic approach: life skills lessons build leadership, collaboration and financial literacy. Group and individual mentoring connect participants with positive female role models. Whole-community support includes celebrations, parent workshops, community meetings and more.
For more than 25 years, Room to Read’s evidence-based approach has benefited millions of children — and behind each of these numbers is a young learner, with their own talents and dreams.
"The only institution that encouraged me to study hard and work my way towards a goal to succeed in life was Room to Read. Now many other girls are motivated to educate themselves. They look up to me as a role model and tell me 'Sister, if you were able to do it, then I should be able to do it, too.'" – Yashodha, Girls’ Education Program alumna, Sri Lanka
Together with our donors, we're building pathways to education where none existed before. End of year giving helps ensure this unique model of education can continue to reach more learners like Yashodha, who are still waiting for their chance to learn.
Ways to support Room to Read
There are many meaningful ways to take part in end of year giving with Room to Read, to turn your values into action. Which option is right for you?
- One-time or monthly donations: Donations support impactful literacy and gender equality programming around the world.
- Gifts of appreciated assets: Donating appreciated stocks or securities can offer tax advantages while supporting education initiatives with lasting reach.
- Corporate and workplace giving: Employer matching gifts and workplace campaigns can multiply individual contributions and encourage collective investment in education.
- Legacy and planned giving: Including Room to Read in your legacy plans supports future generations of learners and reflects a long-term commitment to education as a human right.
End of year giving and tax deduction deadlines
For donors in many countries (including the United States, Canada, Singapore, Australia, France and Germany) December 31 is the deadline for charitable contributions to be eligible for a tax deduction in the current tax year.
You may find it helpful to discuss your end of year giving plans with a financial advisor, particularly whether accelerating your charitable giving before December 31 could offer additional tax advantages. While Room to Read cannot provide tax or financial advice, a qualified professional can help you determine the approach that’s right for you.
Investing in tomorrow
The end of the year offers a unique chance to reflect on what matters, and to act on your values. If education holds a place in your heart, we invite you to let your end of year giving reflect that. Together, we can ensure that learners everywhere have access to the education that they deserve.
Thank you for believing in the transformative power of education.
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