Fund your Bookworm. We'll show you how.
Grants, sponsors, crowdfunding and fundraisers. Title I, local grants, PTO budgets, DonorsChoose and corporate sponsors fund Bookworms every year. Start with the route that fits your school.
- FOUNDATIONS
- 133,000+
- OPEN GRANTS
- 84,000+
- PRICE FROM
- $5,395
Six ways schools fund a Bookworm.
Pick the route that fits. Each one has a guide, real stories and a person to call.
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For schools
Grants
Search 133,000+ foundations and 84,000+ open grants in seconds. We match you with funders who support literacy programs like yours. Find grants -
For schools
Title I and federal funds
Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine qualifies for Title I, Title IV and other government funding. See how it fits -
For parent groups
PTO and PTA
See how parent groups across the country are turning fundraising dollars into lifelong reading memories. See PTO ideas -
For parent groups
Read-A-Thon and DonorsChoose
Every dollar raised comes from students reading books they love. Starting a Read-A-Thon campaign is free. Start crowdfunding -
For communities
Foundations and clubs
Foundations and clubs exist to support literacy in education. Many have already funded a Bookworm. Explore foundations -
For businesses
Sponsor a school
Showcase your brand on a custom wrap with your logo and colors. We handle the logistics. Become a sponsor
See what a Read-A-Thon could raise.
Estimate how much your school can raise with a Read-A-Thon and how close you are to an Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine.
That covers a Bookworm, with money left for books.
Inchy's Bookworm starts at $5,395
Results are estimates based on an average donation of $34.10 per donor.
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1
Launch your campaign
Set up your school's campaign in minutes with Read-A-Thon's online tools.
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2
Engage students and sponsors
Students log reading minutes while families, friends, and local donors contribute online.
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3
Celebrate your success
Use the funds raised to purchase your Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine and start rewarding readers right away.
It fits the Title I plan you already write.
Title I helps schools serving children from low-income families meet state academic standards. Build the Bookworm into your literacy plan to reach the students most in need.
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Title I
Title I, Part A
Schools leverage Title I funds to enhance literacy and academic outcomes for the students most in need. The Bookworm puts books in their homes.
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Title IV
Title IV and other federal funds
Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine qualifies for Title IV and other government funding. Ask your district how it fits your plan.
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PBIS
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Students earn golden tokens for behaving well and use them to get books from the machine. It helps create a positive school atmosphere.
Four steps to a stronger grant.
From our funding team's grant writing tips.
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01Step 1
Research grant makers
Seek out foundations and community partners whose missions resonate with your project, particularly those championing literacy, innovative education methods and advancing equity.
Meet with our funding team -
02Step 2
Tailor your proposal
Show how the book vending machine meets the foundation's objectives. Include the expected impact, how you will implement it and how you will measure success.
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03Step 3
Highlight community impact
Describe the impact a book vending program would have on your school community and how it would foster a culture of literacy.
Read the 2024 customer survey -
04Step 4
Demonstrate sustainability
Many foundations prioritize lasting benefits. Explain how you will restock books and keep students interested over time.
See Inchy's Book Bundles
Schools that found the money.
A student council, a Kiwanis club and an energy company.
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Case study
Woodsdale Elementary
Woodsdale Elementary
The student council set a $7,000 goal for its service project. Read-A-Thon made it easy, and the school beat the goal.
Read the story about Woodsdale Elementary -
Case study
Kiwanis Club of Myrtle Beach
The club saw a creative way to get kids excited about reading. Students earn gold tokens for achievements, then vend a brand new book.
Read the story about Kiwanis Club of Myrtle Beach -
Case study
Atmos Energy
A corporate giving program that put a Bookworm in school after school across Texas, with design, training and support built in.
Read the story about Atmos Energy
Hear it from the people who fund them.
Our team on grant funding, then Read-A-Thon's Stephanie Davern on fundraising for literacy.
Foundations, clubs and sponsors who fund Bookworms.
Funding questions, answered
Talk to our funding team
Get pricing, funding options and a planogram for your school.
Book a planning callOr call (800) 592-4220
01What is the price of the machine?
Price ranges from $5,395 to $6,300 depending on your needs, including wrap customization, picture book trays and warranties. Request a quote to get an exact price for your school.
02How can I fund my book vending machine?
Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine qualifies for Title I, Title IV and other government funding. Grants, community sponsorships, Read-A-Thon, DonorsChoose and PTO/PTA groups fund machines every year. Download Inchy's Ultimate Fundraising Guide (PDF).
03How much can a Read-A-Thon raise?
It depends on your school size, participation and donors per student. Estimates use an average donation of $34.10 per donor. Try the estimator.
04Does DonorsChoose work for a book vending machine?
Yes. DonorsChoose is a very popular fundraising organization that occasionally provides matching funds. Teachers post a Special Request for the machine. See the steps.
05Can a business sponsor a machine for a school?
Yes. Sponsors get a customized wrap with their logo and name displayed prominently, and we handle the logistics. Become a literacy sponsor.
06Do we own the machine?
Yes. There are no hidden contracts or book fulfillment requirements. You own the machine for life, and we support it for life.

