A local non-profit organization geared toward literacy is the recipient of a grant awarded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

The Faith Walker Learning Development Foundation, Inc., located on Rollingwood Estates Drive, received $9,000 and is one of 32 non-profit organizations in Mississippi to receive funding from the approximately $143,000 that was awarded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General Store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs.

“For more than 26 years, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has invested in programs that help uplift and empower others through education,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “In the wake of the pandemic as more youth are in need of academic support and an increased number of adults are looking to enhance their basic skills and employability, we proudly continue our support of basic education and literacy initiatives for individuals of all ages. We are grateful for the hardworking teachers and nonprofit leaders who are serving students in our hometown communities and hope these funds help advance their efforts.”

In total, the Foundation awarded more than $8.6 million to approximately 970 nonprofit organizations, libraries, and schools to support the educational journey of more than 663,000 individuals, which aim to enhance local literacy and education initiatives throughout the communities Dollar General serves.

“During these extraordinary times, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to support communities’ literacy and educational advancements through funds that will impact thousands of students across the country,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO, and Dollar General Literacy Foundation board member. “We are proud to support the meaningful and impactful work that each of today’s recipients conduct and support their ongoing efforts to help individuals improve their lives through literacy and education.”

Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $172 million in grants, helping more than 11 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency.