SMART Reading Strategic Plan

 

2025-2028

 

Strengthening Our Foundation, Deepening Our Impact, and Advancing Lifelong Literacy for Oregon’s Children. 

 

After six months of collaboration with staff, leadership, Board members, and stakeholders, we’re excited to share SMART Reading’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.

Over the next three years, we’ll focus on strengthening our programs and ensuring long-term sustainability so every child can thrive through the power of reading. As we celebrate 35 years of inspiring a love of books, we’re renewing our commitment to Oregon’s kids by deepening our literacy work, growing our impact, and adapting to meet today’s needs.

Rooted in our mission to spark joy and opportunity through reading, this plan guides us forward with purpose, clarity, and dedication to the communities we serve. Together, through strong programs and partnerships, we’re creating a future where all Oregon children become confident readers.

Guiding Goal: Deepen our literacy impact through enhancing programmatic consistency and reach, while continuing to build an equitable, responsive, and sustainable organization. 

Strategic Priorities

Expand & Refine Programmatic Impact:

Increase SMART’s impact on literacy outcomes by focusing on two core priorities:

  • Training & Process Improvement: Refocus on delivering high-quality, consistent programs by improving processes, using data, and strengthening volunteer training to further integrate science-based reading strategies and trauma-informed practices.
  • Strategic Growth: Expand SMART’s reach through incremental, sustainable growth that focuses on bringing Children’s Book Bank programming to more communities and increasing out-of-school-time program opportunities. 

Maintain Organizational Sustainability:

Ensure SMART’s future by maintaining a balanced budget and diversifying revenue streams through earned revenue and state and local funding opportunities. Continue improving staff culture and creating an environment where all staff feel they belong and are valued for their work.  

Build Community:

Continue to lead in Oregon’s literacy space by building visibility, deepening partnerships, and advancing equity. Utilize SMART’s 35th anniversary during the 2026-27 school year as a platform to spotlight our lasting impact on children’s reading success and the need for continued investments in literacy.