In 2025, Gordon Philanthropies reached a defining moment in its work to expand access to literacy. Through intentional growth, trusted partnership, and programs rooted in community need, we continued to place books—and opportunity—where they are most needed.

As we mark our fourth anniversary, we are proud to share a milestone that once felt aspirational: one million books placed directly into the hands of children.

The children we serve live in communities where families are often focused on meeting essential needs—housing, food, and stability. In these circumstances, access to books—and the opportunities they unlock—are too often out of reach. From the beginning, our work has been shaped by a simple truth: too many children fall behind before they are given a fair chance to succeed.

Our mission is clear—to promote literacy and expand educational opportunity regardless of a child’s ZIP code. Through Teachers and Books, our school-based reading program, we place high-quality books in classrooms and homes, reaching children living in book deserts where book ownership is rare. In just four years, that commitment has resulted in our largest scale to date.

We also serve children whose families face extraordinary challenges. Our Children’s Libraries in carceral settings and Sent With Love, our audiobook program, allow parents to record themselves reading to their children. These recordings—paired with handwritten letters—provide comfort, connection, and the joy of shared stories across physical distance.

This work has always been about more than books. It is about access, dignity, and the belief that every child—regardless of circumstances—deserves the opportunity to learn, imagine, and thrive.

We are deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and volunteers. Together, we have built more than programs—we have built a community committed to possibility.

Read our 2025 Annual Report by clicking here.