Collaborative Funding

The key to our success is our Local Program Partners. These 70+ partners are all 501(c)(3) organizations who actively promote, fundraise, and manage the program on a day-to-day basis.

Although books are free to families, it is not free to the community. Each book is $2.60. Each Local Program Partner pays 50% of each book each month in their assigned county or counties, totaling $1.30. The statewide team provides a 50% match, which ensures the program is at no cost to all Ohio families.

Since 1995, the Dollywood Foundation has been the backbone of this literacy program. Their continued support makes it cost-effective for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and our Local Program Partners to currently provide books to over 410,000+ children.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio provides a strategic layer of support to our statewide program. As a 501(c)(3), Ohio’s statewide program is responsible for fostoring growth, development, and sustainability in all 88 counties. Key partnerships, training opportunities, and marketing tools provided by the State team has allowed for our rapid enrollment growth.

Fran DeWine with young girl holding hand drawn picture of State of Ohio flag.
The statewide program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, works with the national program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, as well as local nonprofit organizations in each county across the state, to ensure all books remain at no cost to families.