Launching the Barbara Bush Fund: A Bold Step for Family Literacy in America

Launch of the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy

On November 5, 2025, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation proudly announced the establishment of the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy, a vital initiative intended to address the pressing literacy crisis in America. Unveiled at a gathering held at Texas A&M University’s Bush School for Government and Public Service in Washington, D.C., this fund aims to provide support to high-quality family literacy programs throughout the nation.

The significance of this initiative stems from Barbara Bush's long-standing commitment to literacy, a cause she championed for over four decades. As stated by Alice Gonzalez Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, “Barbara Bush understood that literacy is not just a skill but the bedrock of productive lives and communities.” This belief underpins the Foundation's mission to ensure that all families have access to the literacy skills necessary for success.

Statistics reveal a dire situation: more than half of U.S. adults perform below a sixth-grade level in reading. This deficiency not only limits their earning potential but also affects their ability to support their children's education. Alarmingly, 69% of fourth graders lack proficiency in literacy, which can lead to dropouts and decreased future earning potential. Such issues perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder workforce readiness.

Barbara Bush founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989, creating a platform for addressing literacy at the national level. Throughout its 36 years, the Foundation has raised over $130 million, assisting programs in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia. The launch of the new Barbara Bush Fund marks a pivotal moment, aiming to carry forward Barbara Bush's legacy and vision for a more literate America.

Doro Bush Koch, honorary chair of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, emphasizes the transformative power of family literacy, stating, “Parents are a child’s first and best teachers. Investing in family literacy is essential for building strong futures.” The Fund plans to expand its impact by providing grants to reputable community organizations that already excel in literacy programs, rather than running its own initiatives.

To celebrate this launch, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation announced grant recipients from various noteworthy organizations, including the First Teachers Family Literacy Program in Biddeford, Maine, Briya Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., and Achieve Plant City in Florida. These organizations exemplify the kind of impactful work that the Fund seeks to support.

During the event, a panel discussion highlighted the importance of family literacy, featuring experts such as Angelica Ibarra, executive director of Achieve Plant City. Ibarra expressed her passion for the cause, noting, “As a former literacy student, I’ve experienced firsthand the life-changing impact of family literacy, and I am grateful for the support of this new initiative.”

The Barbara Bush Fund will utilize the insights of a network of national literacy experts to create a robust grantmaking process, with the first round of grants expected to be awarded in 2026.

In summary, the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy represents not just a financial initiative but a commitment to transforming lives through literacy. By investing in family-centered literacy programs, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation is paving the way for futures marked by education and opportunity, fulfilling Barbara Bush’s vision of a nation where every family has the tools to succeed.