Story Dogs' Local Coordinator and Margate resident Sarah Jarvis partnered with MyState Foundation to launch the MyState Foundation Community Grants for 2025.
Story Dogs was a recipient of last year's Community Grants, receiving almost $6000 towards recruiting, accrediting, placing and supporting eight new dog teams in Tasmania.
Story Dogs is an Australia-wide literacy program partnering young students with dogs, who they read to.
"We take students (Year 2 and up) outside of the classroom so they can read to the dog with the support of the volunteer, or the volunteer and student may read together, or the volunteer may read to the student," Sarah explained.
"Dogs are non-judgmental listeners; their accepting nature has a calming effect, thereby helping to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety."
Sarah has two dogs, Rosie and Monty, who partner up with her.
Rosie visits Margate Primary School whilst Monty, who is Rosie's son, goes to Snug Primary School.

Monty with a Snug Primary School student.

After Sarah retired from teaching at the end of 2022 she knew she wanted to volunteer, but didn't know where.
Story Dogs popped up on Sarah's feed while she was Facebook scrolling and she knew this was what she wanted to do.
Applications for the 2025 MyState Foundation Grants are open until Friday, May 2.
There are grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 up for grabs.