The Readings Foundation

The Readings Foundation

Established by Chair of Readings Mark Rubbo in 2009, The Readings Foundation assists Victorian organisations that support the development of literacy, community integration and the arts.

The aims of the Foundation are to:

  • Aid the work of organisations that respond to the needs of disadvantaged groups living in our community;
  • Focus on literacy, education and creative writing in all its forms; and
  • Support projects which respond to a perceived need within the community.

The Readings Foundation grant committee is comprised of Chair of Readings, Mark Rubbo; author, Helen Garner; author, Alice Pung; former Managing Director of the publisher John Wiley & Sons Australia, Peter Donoughue; the founder of Phase III Business Consulting, Gerald Smith; and a current Readings' staff member.

The Readings Foundation awards grants on an annual basis.

Funds available for distribution this year are lower due to economic conditions, so we have made the decision to continue to work with some of our current grant partners and support the work they are doing rather than actively invite new applicants for our 2025 foundation grants.  We hope to be able to open up to new applicants in the 2026 funding round.  

To be eligible for a Readings Foundation Grant, your organisation must be: based in Victoria (or have activities based in Victoria); and have Deductible Gift Recipient (Item 1) status with the Australian Tax Office (or have an auspice organisation with this status). If you’d like to discuss your forthcoming application please feel free to contact our Grants Officer, Angela Crocombe on [email protected] and arrange a time to chat.

Since 2009 The Readings Foundation has donated over $2 million to amazing organisations in our community that support our most vulnerable people. Setting aside a percentage of all Readings Bookshop profits, as well as relying on generous donations from Readings customers, The Readings Foundation focuses on education and literacy programs at the grass-roots level.

Past grant recipients

Here is a complete list of previous successful applicants for Readings Foundation grants.

Hear directly from past grant recipient Banksia Gardens below.

Making donations to the Readings Foundation

Readings donate a percentage of annual profit to The Readings Foundation each year, and crucial funds are also raised from donations by Readings customers.

You can make a donation to The Readings Foundation by using the online form below. All donations to The Readings Foundation over $2 are tax deductible.