Dollar General Literacy Foundation Issues $4.8 Million in Grants

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn., May 14, 2009 — The Dollar General Literacy Foundation continues its fight against illiteracy by awarding grants totaling $4.8 million to 314 nonprofit organizations that promote literacy and education.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation aims to increase literacy among adults and families through its grant program. Approximately 99,000 individual students and families living in the 35 states where Dollar General operates stores will be supported by these grants. The grants support adult basic education, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, and family and workforce literacy initiatives.

“We are proud to support the hopes and dreams of those who want to better their lives through education,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “We hope to build better communities and brighter futures by funding literacy and education organizations in the towns Dollar General calls home.”

Since its inception, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $33.4 million. In addition to cash grants, Dollar General’s Learn to Read literacy referral program has helped more than 53,000 people locate organizations that provide free literacy services.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is currently accepting youth literacy and back-to-school grant applications. To complete an application, please visit the Serving Others section of our Web site at www.dollargeneral.com. Proposals must be submitted online by May 22, 2009.

Learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and view the complete list of grant recipients at www.dollargeneral.com.

About Dollar General
Dollar General is a leading discount retailer with more than 8,400 neighborhood stores. Dollar General stores provide convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The company has a longstanding tradition of supporting literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $33.4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 1.6 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. To learn more about Dollar General, visit www.dollargeneral.com.