Today, the Richmond Ed Fund announced a new initiative, the first-ever Give 804 campaign, a citywide giving event that powers Richmond Public Schools bold literacy efforts and celebrates literacy, equity, and public education investments. Launching August 4 (8/04), the campaign will run through September 30.
As part of its 2024-2029 strategic plan, RPS has committed to ensuring all students will be reading on grade level by third grade. Currently, the Division is one of the fastest-improving districts in the state; however, this goal requires continued, community-wide investment.
Give 804 invites everyone in Richmond to join RPS on this journey, and help ensure that every RPS student, PK-3, has access to books at home.
“I’m proudly obsessed with literacy, because knowing how to read fundamentally changes the trajectory of a child’s life. As Frederick Douglass said, ‘Once you learn to read, you will be forever free,” said Jason Kamras, Superintendent of RPS. “Over the past several years, we have led the state in implementing rich and rigorous literacy instruction for our students. That instruction relies on access to books. That’s where the community comes in.’”
Give 804 is designed to be accessible to all. Whether it’s $8.04, $18.04, $80.40, $804, or $8,040, every donation goes directly to RPS students. The goal for year one is to raise $50,000 and support RPS with 10,000 donated books. There are three powerful ways to be part of Give 804:
- Give Books – Donate new or gently used children’s books to help stock classroom and home libraries across Richmond. Book drop-off locations will be announced citywide.
- Fund the Future – Every $8.04 supports a child’s literacy journey. Every dollar fuels real impact.
- Be a Reading Buddy – Sign up to read with Richmond students at least twice a month. It’s a simple, personal way to boost confidence, connection, and reading skills.
The campaign will feature citywide book drop locations, corporate giving matches, and local “round-up for reading” promotions at local businesses.
“As a practicing pediatrician, I know firsthand that the investments we make in our kids’ well-being reap life-long benefits,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “As Mayor, few things are as important to me as making sure all our children are prepared to succeed. It all starts with reading, which is why I’m thrilled to endorse the Give 804 campaign for literacy in partnership with the Richmond Ed Fund and Richmond Public Schools. I encourage all Richmonders to consider supporting this important and timely effort.”
“Give 804 is our moment to turn the page,” said Taikein Cooper, CEO of the Richmond Ed Fund. “We’re calling on families, alumni, businesses, and neighbors to invest in a future where every child reads on grade level by third grade. Literacy is the foundation for everything—and through Give 804, we’re rewriting the story with urgency, pride, and an unshakable belief that Richmond’s kids deserve the best.”
To learn more or get involved, visit rps.fund. To become a sponsor, reach out to Taikein Cooper.
