Our Partners & Supporters
The work of Make Way for Books is made possible by the generosity and vision of organizations and individuals who believe every child deserves a strong start. Together, we’re changing the story for Arizona’s children.
Supporting Early Childhood Literacy Through Collaboration
Early literacy is a community effort; no single organization can close the opportunity gap alone. Make Way for Books works alongside a wide range of partners — from local nonprofits and school systems to foundations, government agencies and corporate supporters — to extend the reach of our evidence-based programs across Arizona.
Our partnerships are built on shared values: a belief that every child deserves access to quality early learning experiences, and that investing in the adults in children’s lives is the most powerful way to make that happen. Whether through program collaboration, resource sharing or financial support, our partners play an essential role in helping us reach the families and educators who need us most, and in driving the lasting change Arizona’s children deserve.
Proud Partner of Read On Arizona
Make Way for Books is proud to be a partner of Read On Arizona, a statewide, public/private partnership of agencies and organizations working to create and coordinate services to improve literacy outcomes for children in Arizona. Make Way for Books also partners with local Read On Communities, such as Read On Avondale and Read On Chandler, and co-leads Read On Pima with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona and Literacy Connects.
We are proudly aligned with the Arizona Literacy Plan 2030.
Our Diverse Partner Network
To achieve our mission, Make Way for Books partners with hundreds of preschools, school districts, other nonprofits, local businesses, community organizations and literacy and early childhood initiatives across the state.
In partnership with the University of Arizona, we explore collaboration in early literacy research, evaluation, and innovation.
We have collaborated with ASU students, led by Dr. Tracy Spinrad, to research Make Way for Books programs and develop findings and recommendations that inform and strengthen our literacy work.
We partner with the Tucson Festival of Books to connect children and families with books, authors, and engaging literacy experiences. Through Tent for Tots, support of the Children’s Village, and book giveaways, Make Way for Books helps make literacy accessible to families throughout the festival, which welcomes more than 10,000 book lovers each year.
Partners with Make Way for Books to bring the pediatrician’s perspective to early literacy as a proactive approach to supporting children’s healthy development. By encouraging pediatricians to “prescribe” reading and reinforcing the importance of talking, singing, and playing with young children, families hear a consistent message from both healthcare and literacy professionals and connect to resources that support early learning.
Worlds of Words (WOW), supported by Dr. Kathy Short, is housed in the University of Arizona College of Education and is one of the largest collections of children’s and adolescent literature in the United States. Through our partnership, our staff receives cutting-edge literacy professional development and also gains access to new book releases to incorporate into program offerings.
We serve as a thought partner in Pima County’s Cradle to Career efforts, bringing early childhood expertise to help community leaders align efforts, use data, avoid duplication, and strengthen outcomes for children and families.
We bring the perspectives of children, families, and early childhood educators to community advocacy efforts, serving as a thought partner and advocate for policies, investments, and systems that strengthen opportunities for young children and families.
We serve on the Education Leadership Council, bringing early childhood expertise and an on-the-ground perspective to help align community efforts and inform best practices. The council’s priorities include kindergarten readiness, third grade reading, and high school graduation, connecting early childhood to the broader education continuum.
We participate in family-focused efforts that strengthen connections among families, service providers, and community resources. Through family events and community collaboration, Make Way for Books helps ensure families have access to information, resources, and support while working alongside partners to reduce duplication and make community services more connected and accessible.
Make Way for Books co-leads Read On Pima with Literacy Connects, working with community partners to strengthen a continuum of literacy services across Pima County. Through this partnership, Make Way for Books connects its work with families and educators to broader efforts that expand access to literacy resources and strengthen the foundation for children’s success.
Our Supporters
Make Way for Books is grateful to the foundations, government agencies, businesses and community organizations whose generosity powers our work. Their investment in early literacy helps us change the story for thousands of children, families and educators across Arizona each year.
Become a Partner or Supporter
There are many ways to join us in changing the story for Arizona’s children. Foundations and government agencies can fund evidence-based early literacy programs that reach families and educators across the state. Businesses and corporate partners can support our mission through sponsorships, employee giving campaigns and cause-related initiatives. Nonprofit and community organizations can collaborate with us to expand access to early literacy in the neighborhoods we serve together.
Whatever form it takes, your partnership helps Make Way for Books do more: fostering the potential of more children, reaching more families and supporting more educators. If you’re interested in partnering with or supporting Make Way for Books, we’d love to hear from you.