2026 Community Project: Dispensing Literacy

A fundraiser from the Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2026

The Opportunity

Turning a Simple Moment Into a Lifelong Love of Reading

Right now, about 30% of Waukee Community School District K-5 students are reading below benchmark. That’s not just a statistic – it’s an opportunity for our community to step in early and make a meaningful difference.

Dispensing Literacy transforms reading into an experience students look forward to. By placing book vending machines in elementary schools with the greatest need, students earn a token on their birthday and choose a book they get to keep. The result? Increased excitement around reading, improved literacy outcomes, and a boost to students’ confidence and mental well-being.

This is a community-powered solution with lasting impact – one book, one child, one moment at a time.

Become a Sponsor

The Goal

$14,000 Raised.

$28,000 Impact.

Measurable Results.

The Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2026 is working to raise $14,000 to fund:

2 book vending machines
Books and tokens for one full year

Thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $14,000) from the Waukee Community Schools Foundation, every contributions is doubled-immediately expanding reach and impact.

Success looks like this: four schools served, hundreds of students choosing books of their own, and a sustainable model that builds stronger readers across our district.

Become a Sponsor

Community Project Sponsorships



public patron: $___

Make a donation of any size and directly support literacy, student well-being, and educational equity in Waukee schools



Book Builder: $500

Recognition on Project Materials
WCSF Social Media Shoutout



Literacy leader: $1,000

All Book Builder Benefits +
WCSF Newsletter Recognition
Logo on Bookmarks
Verbal Recognition at Dedication Event



story Superhero: $2,500

All Literacy Leader Benefits +
WCSF Featured Email Blast
Dedication Sticker Inside Books
Invitation to Dedication Event

All donations are tax-deductible.

All corporate sponsorship recognition—including name usage, size, placement, and location—is subject to final approval by the Waukee Community Schools Foundation, the Waukee Community School District, and the Waukee Community School Board. The Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2026 will make every good-faith effort to deliver the recognition benefits outlined above; however, final decisions regarding recognition rest with the approving organizations listed.

All sponsors donating at the Book Builder, Literacy Leader, or Story Superhero levels will automatically receive a donation receipt. Donors contributing as a Public Patron who require documentation of their donation must request a receipt in writing by emailing: waukeeleadership@gmail.com