A third of Australian children cannot read at the level expected of them. A small gap in the early years can become a big one, affecting confidence as well as learning.
Source: Grattan Institute
That is why literacy receives half of every dollar we give to Hepburn Shire schools.
Our investment in literacy
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$137,564
invested in literacy programs since January 2024
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$75,200
invested in literacy in FY2026
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50%
of every Schools Support dollar went to literacy in FY2026
Where Schools Support funding went in FY2026
Share of the $149,915 invested in schools and literacy
Source: The Daylesford Foundation 2026 Annual Report.
How our literacy program works
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Schools spot it early
Teachers identify the students who are falling behind with reading.
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Small groups, real progress
Trained staff run proven programs in small groups or one to one.
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Funding goes straight to schools
Each school manages its own allocation from us, so help reaches students without delay.
Our schools use two programs developed through Macquarie University research.
MiniLit
For younger children who are finding it hard to learn to read.
MacqLit
For older students who are still behind with reading.
What starts as a small difficulty can quickly become a much larger gap, affecting not only their learning but also their confidence and enjoyment of school.
Anonymous donors, 2026 Annual Report