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Annual Giving
$10.5M
Giving Ratio
0.75%

About

Room to Read Australia Limited is the Australian chapter of Room to Read, a global non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of millions of children in low-income communities. They focus on improving literacy and promoting gender equality in education by establishing libraries, publishing local-language children's books, training educators, and supporting girls to complete secondary education.

Tips for Applicants

Room to Read Australia Limited primarily raises funds in Australia to support global programs. While listed as a grantmaker, their model focuses on direct program implementation and partnerships with local organizations and governments in target countries. Prospective partners should align with their specific thematic areas of early childhood literacy and girls' education, and explore collaboration opportunities rather than traditional grant applications. Contacting the Australia & New Zealand office at australia@roomtoread.org is recommended for inquiries.

Giving Philosophy

Room to Read operates on the belief that "World Change Starts with Educated Children®". Their approach involves contextualized programs that develop literacy and life skills in a dignified and gender-equal manner, achieved through collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, and governments. They are committed to transparency and consistent monitoring to ensure measurable impact.

Notable Grants

$10.5 million to support programs and initiatives for use outside Australia in 2024.

Giving History

2020
$7.3M
2024
$10.5M
+45% increase from 2020 to 2024

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$6.4M
Unknown AU + $6.4M intl
$3.6M$6.7M$6.6M
FY2022
$6.6M
Unknown AU + $6.6M intl
$9.3M$9.7M$9.7M
FY2021
$4.8M
Unknown AU + $4.8M intl
$9.0M$7.3M$7.3M
FY2020
$7.3M
Unknown AU + $7.3M intl
$4.4M$3.7M$3.6M
FY2019
$4.5M
Unknown AU + $4.5M intl
$9.6M$7.3M$7.2M
FY2018
$3.1M
Unknown AU + $3.1M intl
$3.1M$2.8M$2.6M
FY2017
$1.2M
Unknown AU + $1.2M intl
$4.1M$2.8M$2.8M
7yr total$33.8MSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Programs (from website)

Literacy Program

Develops children's literacy skills and nurtures a love of reading by establishing libraries, publishing local language books, and training educators in primary schools in low-income communities.

Girls' Education Program

Supports adolescent girls, particularly those at risk, to develop life skills that promote gender equality and enable them to complete secondary school with the skills needed to navigate key life decisions.

Focus Areas

educationyouthhuman rightscommunity
Geographic
AU-NationalInternational
Recipients
nfpschoolcommunity org

Financial Details

Source of Wealth
The global Room to Read organization was co-founded in 1999/2000 by John Wood, Erin Keown Ganju, and Dinesh Shrestha, after John Wood observed significant educational resource gaps in Nepal. Room to Read Australia Limited primarily generates its revenue through donations and bequests.
Parent Company
Room to Read
Revenue Sources
donations, bequests, corporate_partnerships, fundraising_events

Board & Leadership

ACNC
ACNC
Leona Pearce
director
ACNC
ACNC
foundation_board
foundation_board
foundation_board
foundation_board
Linked from structured person roles rather than unstructured foundation summary text.

Data Sources

Profile quality: high
Foundation profile updated: 6 March 2026 (64 days ago)
Website scan updated: 6 March 2026 (64 days ago)
Added: 5 March 2026 (65 days ago)
View on ACNC Register →