The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) is dedicated to raising language, literacy and numeracy standards in Australia and raises funds to develop, implement and sustain innovative projects for individuals, families and communities. We believe all Australians have the right to literacy, because being able to read and write is the key to accessing education and employment, and to participating fully in society. ALNF teaches marginalised Australians – including those in refugee and Indigenous communities – how to read and write. We also help to develop the skills of teachers, carers, healthcare workers, community workers and volunteers to pass on good literacy practices to their families and communities. ALNF was founded in 1999 by Mary-Ruth Mendel and Kim Kelly, who are passionate about helping people in Australia’s most marginalised communities gain literacy skills. Since its establishment ALNF has won the 2006 Best Community Project Award at the Ethical Investor's 6th Australian Sustainability Awards for the design and delivery of their First Language Reading Course to Indigenous community members. In 2007 ALNF was awarded the University of Western Sydney Partnership Award for its Refugee Action Support (RAS) program. The following year Mary-Ruth Mendel was named as one of four finalists in The Australian of the Year Awards – Local Hero Award NSW.