Manos de Cristo Receives $8,000 Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to Support Adult Literacy
[Austin, TX] – [May 2026]
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Manos de Cristo an $8,000.00 grant to support adult literacy. The funds contribute to a record‑setting, single‑day total of nearly $16 million in grants nationwide—supporting adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states where Dollar General operates. The milestone surpasses the Foundation’s previous record of more than $13.2 million granted in May 2025.
One Manos de Cristo student reflected on their experience by saying: “Taking classes at Manos has allowed me to feel more confident to speak in English. I can help my daughter with her homework, and it’s helped me in the grocery store.” Education opens doors at Manos de Cristo, giving individuals the tools to build brighter futures and create lasting change for themselves and their families. Manos de Cristo’s students develop English language skills that lead to greater independence, stronger communication, and improved career prospects. This funding makes it possible for teachers and staff to continue guiding students every step of the way.
“Since the Foundation’s inception in 1993, our focus has remained on making meaningful investments in students, teachers, and the organizations that support literacy and learning at every stage of life,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “We are grateful for the impact teachers and educators make every day and are excited to have another record setting year of helping expand literacy access for learners of all ages. These funds will help educators enhance their instruction and create opportunities that help empower students to reach their full potential.”
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF 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. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.
The Foundation plans to launch its seventh annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 20, 2026, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.
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About Manos de Cristo
Manos de Cristo, founded in 1988, meets essential needs by providing adults and children with low-cost dental care, educational opportunities, and a back-to-school program to prepare elementary students for school with new clothing and school supplies, and emergency food and clothing relief. The Manos de Cristo Dental Center is one of the few not-for-profit dental facilities in Austin. Our life-changing services empower people of all backgrounds to build self-confidence and the ability to participate fully in the life of our community. All are welcome. Visit www.manosdecristo.org to learn more.
About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $292 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 25 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.