We have launched our Literacy Special Initiative – Primary focus (Phase 2, cohort 2) – looking to support organisations/projects that help children think of themselves as readers and writers, who have a voice, leading to the below outcomes: 

• improved social and emotional skills; 
• increased ability to engage with school; and 
• higher attainment and improved life chances. 

We are looking for proposals that develop the child as a reader and writer by promoting reading and writing for pleasure, and; 

• include the development of oracy skills; 
• focus on Key Stages 1 and 2 (5 – 11-year-olds); 
• focus on children facing disadvantage / those most in need of this kind of support; 
• are inclusive, equitable and sustainable. 

For children and young people facing socio-economic disadvantage a lack of literacy skills can exacerbate the equality gap further. Recently schools have reported a decline in literacy skills, largely attributed to the loss of in-person learning during the Covid pandemic. Specifically, oracy skills (speaking and listening) have fallen behind the expected level.  

The Mercers’ Company, as trustee of the Charity of Sir Richard Whittington, has been supporting Literacy work since 2019.

We are pleased to be inviting expressions of interest (EOI) for funding for the second cohort of Phase 2 of the initiative.

For further information on how to apply for funding for the Literacy Special Initiative see our funding application webinar Q&A with accompanying webinar slides and application guidelines. Applications close at midday on Monday 22nd of April 2024.

Find out more about the Mercers’ Company’s Young People & Education programme here.