The Foundation is dedicated to initiatives and events that encourage literacy.

Each year, the Foundation awards a cash prize to the winner of the Elijah Lovejoy award at the Illinois Historic Preservation Society’s Illinois History Expo.  The winner is selected by his/her outstanding essay entry about Elijah Lovejoy and his contribution to the journalism field.

The Foundation is also proud to support the Secretary of State’s Spotlight on Achievement and Service Awards.  The Spotlight on Achievement awards recognizes the outstanding achievements of 10 literacy students in Illinois.  The Spotlight on Service awards honor 10 outstanding volunteer tutors of literacy.  The Foundation awards a cash prize to each winner.