In 2024, a $2,500 Ignite Kirkland grant helped turn reading into a shared celebration across Kirkland schools. Thanks to the generosity of local donors and the partnership between the Kirkland Community Foundation and the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, two beloved literacy programs—Battle of the Books and the Amazing Reading Challenge—brought 5th through 8th grade students together to read, compete, and connect.
These team-based reading competitions didn’t just boost literacy. They sparked friendships, built confidence, and created a sense of belonging that extended far beyond the pages of any book.
Battle of the Books and the Amazing Reading Challenge are more than just reading programs—they’re community-building experiences. Students form teams, read selected titles, and compete in friendly trivia-style challenges that test their comprehension, recall, and teamwork. But the real magic happens in the moments between the questions: when students encourage each other, bond over favorite characters, and discover shared interests.
“These programs are promoted to 5th graders as a way to find their tribe—and it works,” said Katy Philips of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. “They build friendships during a critical developmental window, all while improving literacy and teamwork.”
The Ignite Kirkland grant ensured that every school could participate fully, eliminating barriers to entry and making the programs truly equitable. Whether it was purchasing books, supporting staff time, or helping with event logistics, the grant made it possible for students from all backgrounds to join in.
The impact of these programs was contagious. The selected book titles quickly became the most-checked-out books in school libraries across Kirkland. Even students who weren’t officially participating in the challenges wanted to read them—just to be part of the excitement.
Hallways buzzed with book recommendations. Lunch tables turned into impromptu book clubs. Classrooms saw students reading more, talking more, and connecting more—all because of a shared love of stories.
“This grant helped make reading a community activity,” said Philips. “Students bonded, encouraged each other, and formed lasting teams that often continue for years.”
Creating experiences like these are also what drive the Foundation’s Learning & Innovation Area of Impact. Seeking and supporting programs that not only educate, but also inspire and connect.
For many students, these programs were a turning point—not just in their reading habits, but in their social lives. The team-based format gave kids a chance to collaborate, cheer each other on, and feel part of something bigger. It was especially meaningful for students who might not otherwise find their niche in traditional extracurriculars.
Teachers and librarians reported seeing students come out of their shells, take pride in their reading, and form friendships that lasted well beyond the competition season. Some teams even stayed together year after year, growing stronger with each new challenge.
“When kids are recommending titles to their friends, forming teams that last for years, and checking out the same books over and over again, you know something special is happening.”
The $2,500 Ignite Kirkland grant didn’t just fund books—it funded joy, connection, and a culture of reading that spread across schools. It made sure that no student was left out due to cost or access. It gave educators the resources they needed to run the programs smoothly and inclusively. And it showed students that their community values literacy, teamwork, and creativity.
This kind of local investment has lasting effects. When students associate reading with fun, friendship, and achievement, they’re more likely to keep reading—and to carry those habits into adulthood.
Because of your generosity, Kirkland students aren’t just reading more—they’re reading together. They’re discovering new worlds, building lasting friendships, and growing in confidence. And they’re doing it in a way that’s joyful, inclusive, and deeply rooted in community.
These are the kinds of outcomes that inspire the Foundation’s Learning & Innovation funding, in addition to our Ignite Kirkland campaign. When we invest in programs that blend education with connection, we help create a stronger, more vibrant Kirkland for everyone. Because of you, the story isn’t just about books—it’s about the kids who read them, and the friendships they build along the way.
Neighbors helping Neighbors. Launched in fall 2024, the Kirkland Community Foundation’s inaugural Ignite Kirkland campaign united residents, nonprofits, and businesses to fund 28 impactful local projects—granting $45,000, empowering 26 organizations, and igniting a lasting spirit of generosity and collaboration across the community.
KCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
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