Message From United Way Re: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

 

Dear Grant County friends,

 

We need your help to save free books for young children in Indiana.

 

Two years ago, Governor Holcomb introduced a $6 million 1:1 matching grant to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, allowing counties like Grant to provide free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five. Since launching the program in 2023, United Way of Grant County has distributed over 25,000 books—helping families build a love of reading and preparing kids for success in school.

 

Now, that funding is at risk of being cut from the state budget—and if it’s removed, Indiana will be the first state in the country to defund the program.

 

We are committed to doing everything we can to continue providing books to children in our community, but we need your help to keep this vital program alive.

 

📢 How You Can Help

 

✅ Donate to United Way of Grant County

Every dollar counts! Your support helps keep books in the hands of local kids. You can donate today at uwgrant.com or ask your employer about workplace giving options.

 

✅ Contact Your State Legislators Today

Tell them to restore funding for the Imagination Library in the 2026-2027 budget.

 

📌 Grant County Senator Andy Zay – s17@iga.in.gov

📌 Senate Appropriations Committee Members – Call 800-382-9467 or email:

• Sen. Ryan Mishler (Chair) – s9@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Chris Garten – s45@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Eric Bassler – s39@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Liz Brown – s15@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Ed Charbonneau – s5@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Michael Crider – s28@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Aaron Freeman – s32@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Greg Goode – s38@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Travis Holdman – s19@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Jeff Raatz – s27@iga.in.gov

• Sen. David Niezgodski – s10@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Rodney Pol – s4@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Fady Qaddoura – s30@iga.in.gov

• Sen. Lonnie Randolph – s2@iga.in.gov

 

Dolly Parton’s team recently spoke about this issue, saying:

 

“We are hopeful that Governor Braun and the Indiana Legislature will continue this vital investment by restoring the state’s funding match for local Imagination Library programs. The beauty of the Imagination Library is that it unites us all—regardless of politics—because every child deserves the chance to dream big and succeed.”

 

This program changes lives—let’s make sure it continues for Indiana’s children. Please donate today and contact your legislators to make your voice heard.

 

Thank you for being a champion for literacy and the future of our kids!

 

- all of us at United Way Grant County