How Does The Dictionary Project Work?

A local individual or organization sees the benefits in providing children, most aptly third graders, with a powerful tool for learning – a dictionary.That individual or organization can realize this by sponsoring a dictionary project in their area through a tax-deductible donation to The Dictionary Project, a 501(c)(3) organization. Through the donation, a certain number of dictionaries, selected by the donor, will be sent to a location specified by that sponsor. A volunteer, typically the donating individual or organization, takes the delivered books, and in a classroom event, distributes the gifts among the children.

Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more answers to common questions.

How Do I Sponsor My Own Dictionary Project?

Step 1: Find Schools

If you are new to the project, please visit the National School Information section of our website to find out which schools in your area are in need of dictionary project sponsors for their children. Make contact with the schools to find out how many books you will need for the students and the teachers you wish to sponsor.

If you are sponsoring outside of the United States please select International Donation on Step 4: School Information of the online order form.

Step 2: Choose Book(s)

Visit our Bookshelf to see all the dictionaries and reference books we offer. We also offer sample kits with a selection of books. This will allow you to show them to school personnel so that they can choose the books that best suit their students.

Step 3: Place Donation

When you are ready to place an order and create your project you can do so through our Bookshelf. Note that the donation requested for the books includes the cost of shipping within the continental United States. Also, shipping costs are included for orders of the Canadian editions being shipped in Canada. Please call the office for information about shipping outside of the continental U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

If you prefer not to order online, you can call the Dictionary Project Office at 843-856-2706 or 843-388-8375. If you would like to order by mail, please download a copy of our Order Form and send it along with your donation to the address indicated on the form.

Step 4: What's Next?

If you provided an email address when creating your project, you will receive updates on your order's status. This includes an email confirmation when the order is placed and a pledge statement when processed by our staff. If the publisher provides us with tracking information when the books are shipped, we will email that to you as well. Most books shipped to the continental U.S. should arrive within 2-3 weeks.

A Dictionary Project From Start To Finish

Watch members of the Rotary Club of Daniel Island prepare and deliver dictionaries to all third grader students at the Cainhoy School and on Daniel Island. As part of the club’s literacy program the club deliveries dictionaries to all third grade students each year.