The National Literacy Secretariat (NLS) is a grants and contributions initiative established in 1987. The NLS has two objectives: (1) To increase opportunities and take-up, so that people improve their reading and writing skills; and (2) To work towards making Canada's social, economic and political life more accessible to those with weak literacy skills. From 1997/98 to 2001/02, the NLS distributed an average of $29 million per year in grants and contributions to help create a more literate Canada. The NLS allocates the full amount in grants but converts some of the funds into contributions on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Treasury Board policy. The NLS was last evaluated in 1995. The 1995 evaluation concluded the NLS was working in areas not dealt with by the provinces, had made a significant contribution to literacy in Canada (e.g. by encouraging many sectors become involved in literacy, reducing barriers to literacy training for some groups), and was highly rated by program sponsors. Since the 1995 evaluation, there have been a number of changes in the environment of the NLS. For example, the shift towards an interdependent, globalized and knowledge-based society is creating new challenges for literacy. In addition, an increased emphasis on public accountability means that organizations that distribute public funds are being asked to continually review and assess their performance to ensure their relevance, probity and effectiveness. The current evaluation of the NLS covers the five-year period from 1997/98 to 2001/02. Appended are: (1) National Literacy Secretariat Logic Model; and (2) Case Study Summary: National Literacy Secretariat. (Contains 7 tables, 1 figure and 5 footnotes.)