History NCL National Coalition for Literacy

In 1981, 11 national organizations concerned about the low level of adult functional literacy founded the National Coalition for Literacy. The purpose of the all volunteer organization was to increase public awareness of adult literacy and English proficiency rates in the United States, aggregate and disseminate data, and advocate for policies and increased funds to support adult education. With its original public awareness objectives accomplished, NCL tripled its membership and grew in scope.

The National Coalition for Literacy's Charter was to serve as the umbrella organization for the advancement of literacy in the United States. Since November 2002, the National Coalition for Literacy has made some very significant changes. NCL has moved from an all volunteer organization to an incorporated not-for-profit:

November 2002:	NCL Members voted unanimously to support a change in organizational status.
March 2003:	NCL was incorporated in the District of Columbia.
August 2003:	The Board drew up a slate of nominees and approved the first full Board of nine Directors.
October 2003:	The Internal Revenue Service approved NCL's application for tax exempt status.