Welcome to the Iowa Literacy Council
The Iowa Literacy Council is dedicated to enhancing literacy and basic skills among adults throughout the state. Our mission focuses on coordinating various literacy programs to avoid duplication of efforts and offering support to individuals who need fundamental skills. The Council strives to improve literacy levels in the context of family, community, and workplace settings, making a significant impact on the lives of Iowans.
Congress has returned to work with the monumental task of completing the appropriations process before January 30. With budget cuts almost certain for several departments, it is essential that we act now to ensure that adult education funding is included in the budget.
Chairs of the Senate and House appropriations committees have agreed on overall spending under FY2025 totals, but they have yet to release details. With money being directed to closely align with the administration’s priorities, we believe massive cuts to education-related funding could be looming.
Now is the time to contact your senators and representatives and ask them to protect adult education funding. Remind them of the tremendous importance and return on investment adult education programming has in your community, local workforce, and our economy. Share impact stories from your program.
Click here to find your members of Congress. You can also call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 to be directly connected to the right people.
Appropriations Committees
If your senators or representatives are members of the Senate and House appropriations committees, it is even more crucial that you contact them right away. Click the links to see a list of the members.
Mark Your Calendars
July 6-7, 2026
FFA Enrichment Center – Ankeny, IA
Join adult education leaders, instructors, and advocates from across
Iowa for two days of learning, inspiration, and connection.
The Role of Adult Education
Did you know that there are 36 million adults that can not read or write at the fourth grade level? Low skill levels are a fundamental barrier to every major challenge facing the United States. This video is a wonderful resource to show the role and impact of Adult Education.
Dollar General
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides grant funding to support literacy and education initiatives serving individuals of all ages. The Foundation funds nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores in the states in which they operate. Applications are due by February 2, 2026 Learn More
The National Book Fund has a grant opportunity for adult education programs. Applications may be submitted beginning February 2, 2026 and closes March 16, 2026. Grants provided through our National Book Fund assist literacy and basic education programs like yours by providing quality print materials through New Readers Press to enable you to better serve the students in your program. The National Book fund has supported adult education programs for over 30 years. Learn more
Become a Member!
The Iowa Literacy Council invites you to become a member of the Iowa Literacy Council. Learn more by visiting our membership page. Membership runs from March 1, 20026 – February 28, 2027.