PLA Awards and Grants
Deadline: December 10, 2018

Ten PLA service awards and grants—including the new Helping Communities Come Together Award—highlight the best in public library service and honor those bringing innovation, creativity and dedication to public libraries. Consider nominating yourself, a colleague, or your library today! To submit an application or nomination, login to the PLA Awards Online Application. The 2019 award winners will be recognized at the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC.

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Best Selling Library Grants Book and Twitter Feed


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American Dream Literacy Initiative Grants
Deadline: December 14, 2018.

The American Library Association (ALA) and Dollar General Literacy Foundation invite public libraries to apply for grants of $10,000 to expand services for adult English language learners or adults in need of basic education and workforce development. Up to 16 grants will be awarded.

Public libraries are eligible if they serve adult English language learners and are located within 20 miles of a Dollar General Store, distribution center or corporate office. Visit the Dollar General Store Locator. The grants allow libraries to augment their print and digital English as a second language (ESL) collections; increase computer access and training; provide job training; hold English language learning (ELL), general educational development (GED) and citizenship classes; and raise the visibility of services for immigrant populations.

Visit the website to view the award guidelines and preview the application.


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2019 Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grant Program
The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, dedicated to supporting arts and literacy programs in public schools and libraries across the country, is putting out its annual call for proposals.

Approximately 70 grants, up to $500 each, will be awarded to teachers and librarians in public schools and libraries whose proposals reflect imagination and a desire to make learning fun. The Foundation welcomes Mini-Grant proposals focusing on any subject.Decisions will be emailed to all applicants in May, allowing educators to plan for the next academic year.

“For over three decades, it has been our privilege to support the vision of the most innovative teachers and librarians, who inspire students to read joyfully, think creatively and support one another with generosity,” says Deborah Pope, Executive Director of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Since 1987, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation has provided nearly $1,000,000 in mini-grants to public schools and libraries.

Founded by Ezra Jack Keats, one of America’s greatest children’s book authors and illustrators, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation fosters children’s love of reading and creative expression by supporting arts and literacy programs in public schools and libraries through the EJK Bookmaking Competition and Mini-Grant program; cultivates new writers and illustrators of exceptional picture books that reflect the experience of childhood in our diverse culture through the Ezra Jack Keats Award; and protects and promotes the work of Keats, whose book The Snowy Day broke the color barrier in children’s publishing. The Snowy Day was adapted by Amazon as a holiday special, which earned two Daytime Emmys®, including Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Program; and was used as the subject of a set of Forever stamps issued by and still available from the United States Postal Service. 
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Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More Grant Program
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2018

Libraries and Autism is accepting applications for its Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More grant program. This grant is funded by Barbara Klipper, librarian and author.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded. Any type of library in the United States or Canada can apply, and the proposal can fund projects and services for any age group. Applicants may initiate a new, creative program or service, bring an already-existing, successful program or service to their library for the first time, or enhance a program or service they already offer. All programs or services must benefit people with autism and/or their families, directly or indirectly. Funds may be used to hire a trainer to present a workshop, to buy program materials, to pay for staff, etc. For more information, and to apply, visit the website: http://librariesandautism.org/grant.
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PLA Mini-Grants for Promoting Healthy Communities: Libraries Connecting You to Coverage
Deadline: Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 The Public Library Association is seeking mini-grant applications from public libraries as part of a new initiative, Promoting Health Communities: Libraries Connecting You to Coverage. Up to 120 libraries will receive grants of $300 to disseminate information, offer education, partner with health insurance enrollment and provider groups, and encourage community members to enroll in the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace.
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Awesome Foundation $1,000 Grants
The Awesome Foundation for the Arts and Sciences is a worldwide network of people devoted to forwarding "awesomeness in the universe." Established in 2009, the foundation distributes a series of monthly $1,000 grants to projects and their creators. The money is pooled from ten or more self-organizing “micro-trustees." The chapters are autonomous and organized by the trustees around geographic areas or topics of interest.

Awesome projects range from public artwork to mobile applications to scientific experiments. Grants are provided with no strings attached, and the foundation claims no ownership over the projects it supports. Chapters are divided by geography and by topic of interest. While specifying a chapter to apply to is not necessary (all chapters can view the applications received by all other chapters), many chapters show a preference for local projects. There is also an Innovation in Libraries Grant.

The Awesome Foundation is open to all people and organizations. There are no prerequisites to apply. For complete program guidelines and application instructions, as well as examples of previously funded projects, see the Awesome Foundation website.
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ALA Great Stories Club Grants on Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT)
Deadline: November 16, 2018

The American Library Association's Great Stories Club is a thematic reading and discussion program that engages underserved teens through literature-based library outreach programs.

An expansion of ALA's longstanding Great Stories Club program model, the TRHT series will feature books that explore questions of race, equity, identity, and history, and support racial healing sessions with participating libraries, their community partners, and their teen readers. Up to 70 libraries will be selected. View the award guidelines

Participating libraries will work with small groups of approximately 10 teens; provide up to four theme-related books for each participant to keep as their own; convene opportunities for exploration and discussion of relevant humanities content among peers; and offer at least one interactive session for program conveners and participants led by a racial healing practitioner(s).

Applicants may choose to apply for one of the following themes: "Deeper Than Our Skins: The Present is a Conversation with the Past" and "Finding Your Voice."

Grantee benefits include 11 paperback copies of up to four books on the reading list; a programming grant of up to $1,200; travel and accommodation expenses paid for attendance at a two-day orientation workshop in Chicago; and additional resources, training, and support from ALA's Public Programs Office. For more details, visit the website: https://apply.ala.org/greatstories.
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National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) Health Grants
Deadline: varies

NNLM offers funding for projects that improve access to health information, increase engagement with research and data, expand professional knowledge, and support outreach that promotes awareness and use of NLM resources in local communities. On the website, select your regional area to find current grant opportunities. In 1998, NNLM began working with public libraries to connect consumers with NLM health information resources. NNLM regions offer professional development awards, opportunities for consumer health information specialization certification, programming ideas, educational materials, staff training in your library, funding for health outreach, and other activities. For more information and to apply, visit the website.
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ALA Programming Grants: American Creed Community Conversations
Deadline: November 19, 2018

The American Library Association (ALA), in partnership with Citizen Film and the National Writing Project, invites public libraries to apply for programming grants to host community conversations centered around American Creed, a PBS documentary that invites audiences to consider what America’s ideals and identity ought to be.

Up to 50 public libraries will be selected to receive: a circulating DVD of the American Creed documentary; access to a high-quality, projection-ready download of the film, with public performance rights (PPR) included; a $300 stipend to support speaker fees for an eligible public humanities scholar, or access to a representative from the National Writing Project to serve as program moderator; a digital marketing and outreach kit with customizable printable postcards, posters and press releases and suggested social media posts with video clips for online promotion;
additional resources, training and support.

In the documentary, former Sectary of State Condoleezza Rice, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy, civic entrepreneur Eric Liu, moveon.org founder Joan Blades, Tea Party Patriots founder Mark Meckler, Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon and other citizen-activists come together from remarkably different perspectives to explore the idea of a unifying American creed. Grantees may choose to program the feature-length documentary and/or a suite of short films, including exclusive content not available on PBS.

Public libraries that receive the grant must implement three public programs between January and August 2019 that explore the themes and humanities questions featured in American Creed. Grantees are required to work with a public humanities scholar or representative from the National Writing Project to facilitate a conversation about the film, and to recruit a local partner for programming and marketing collaboration. Read the full project guidelines online.

Library branches within the same system are encouraged to coordinate submission of a single application. Successful applicants with branches may opt-in to receive additional copies of the American Creed DVD and the projection-ready download of the film.

All libraries that submit a completed application — regardless of their grant award status — may receive access and permission to screen the film for a public audience, provided they agree to submit basic information about the screening to Citizen Film.

American Creed Community Conversations is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The project is administered by ALA’s Public Programs Office.
Read the project guidelines and apply online.
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Costco Wholesale's Grants
Deadline: Ongoing

Costco's giving is focused on Children, Education and Health and Human Services. Their grants are generally program or event based. Applicants must be IRS 501(c)(3) non profit organizations in the markets where they do business. Most friends or library foundations with 501c3 status would qualify, but not individual schools or government-run libraries.

For more information, visit the FAQ webpage and access the application.
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Kars4Kids Small Grant Program
Deadline: Ongoing
The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program is a national car donation charity that funds various educational and youth programs dedicated towards helping children succeed in school and in life. Applicants must be a U.S. 501(c)(3) organization with a central focus of doing original work on behalf of America’s children, especially in the areas of youth development, mentorship, and education. Grants typically range from $500-$2,000, depending on such factors as mission alignment and availability of funds. Read an interview with a library grantee, Prince William Public Library in Virginia, who received a grant to help develop pre-literacy skills through a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

For more information, visit the website. The submission process involves a very brief online application, including a short summary of your organization’s mission and programs.
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Whole Kids Foundation Garden and Bee Grant Programs
Deadline: Oct 15, 2018
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Big Lots Foundation Grants
Deadline: January 1, 2019

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ALA Great Stories Club Grant
Deadline: July 9, 2018

The American Library Association (ALA) is accepting applications for the Great Stories Club, a grant program in which library workers lead reading and discussion programs with underserved teens in their communities. The Great Stories Club is made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Up to 150 grants will be awarded.

Working with small groups of teens, grantees will host reading and discussion programs for up to four thematically related books. The titles — selected in consultation with librarian advisors and humanities scholars — are chosen to resonate with reluctant readers struggling with complex issues like academic probation, detention, incarceration, violence and poverty. Participating libraries may choose to work with one or both of the following themes during a 12-month programming period (September 2018 – August 2019): “Empathy: The Cost of Switching Sides” and “What Makes a Hero? Self, Society and Rising to the Occasion.”

All types of libraries are eligible, as long as they work in partnership with, or are located within, organizations that serve under-resourced youth, such as alternative high schools, juvenile justice organizations, homeless shelters, foster care agencies, teen parenting programs, residential treatment facilities and other nonprofit and community agencies. (Read an account of a Great Stories Club grantee and her partnership with a juvenile detention center.) Grantees  receive:

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PLA's Inclusive Internship Initiative (III)
Deadline: March 25, 2018.

The Public Library Association (PLA) is accepting applications from public libraries interested in participating in PLA's Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) for the summer of 2018. Last year, PLA piloted this internship program designed to introduce young people from diverse backgrounds to careers in librarianship. The project was a tremendous success, and PLA is proud to offer III once again with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (grant RE-00-17-0129-17).

PLA will sponsor paid, mentored summer internships at public libraries for 50 high school juniors and seniors. With individual guidance from a mentor, each intern will engage with multiple facets of library life, from administration to programming to user services, while also completing a connected-learning project on behalf of their host library.

In addition to identifying an appropriate intern, participating libraries must:

• Assign a staff person to serve as a mentor
• Develop a connected learning project in conjunction with the intern
• Offer approximately five hours per week of one-on-one mentoring and coaching
• Attend a June kick-off event in Washington, D.C. and a September wrap-up event in Chicago
• Be comfortable sharing successes, challenges, opportunities across the III cohort, within the library, and to community stakeholders
• Comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws, including but not limited to those in the Assurances and Certifications, throughout the grant award and the intern application and selection process

All public libraries, regardless of PLA membership, are eligible. Small, rural, and tribal libraries are strongly encouraged to apply. More information, including an application for libraries interested in participating, can be found at https://apply.ala.org/plinterns2018.
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Infy Maker Awards
If you are a school, library or youth organization looking to expand access to Maker experiences for K-12 students, here’s your chance to win $10,000. Through the Infy Maker Awards, Infosys Foundation USA has expanded opportunities for more students across the U.S. to engage in making and has supported Makers with innovative solutions to important local and global problems. In its third year, the contest is open to K-12 schools and youth-serving organizations who aim to create more opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary learning through making.

Ten organizations will each receive a $10,000 grant. Winners will also receive Maker professional development for two staff members and travel support to attend CrossRoads 2018, Infosys Foundation USA’s annual CS and Maker education conference. The grant can be used for a variety of purposes including: materials and equipment, structural improvements, additional professional development, projects for students, impact and assessment research or community outreach and engagement. For more information and to enter, visit the website: http://www.infymakers.com.
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National Book Foundation’s Innovations in Reading Prize
Deadline: February 28, 2018

The National Book Foundation’s Innovations in Reading Prize awards $10,000 to an individual or organization that has developed an innovative project which creates and sustains a lifelong love of reading in the community they serve. In addition, the Foundation recognizes four projects to receive the designation of honorable mention. Both the winner and the honorable mentions are invited to participate in the Foundations’ annual Why Reading Matters Conference.

All U.S. citizens and American institutions are eligible for this prize. Examples include:

• After-school and community-based programs
• Non-profits such as museums and libraries
• Startups focused on reading and literature

Applicants should:

• Share the National Book Foundation’s mission to expand the audience for literature in America;
• Focus on reading, and not exclusively literacy skills;
• Demonstrate innovation in mission, approach, and/or audience/community served;
• Apply for an existing program/project/initiative with evidence of success—as Innovations in Reading is a prize and not a grant, the goal is to reward work already underway, encouraging it to continue and/or expand.

You may submit your own application, or nominate an organization or individual's project. For more information and to apply, visit the website: http://www.nationalbook.org/innovations_in_reading_application.html
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NCFL Camp Wonderopolis Library Grants
Deadline: February 9, 2018

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) is accepting applications for Camp Wonderopolis 2018 library grants. Three libraries will be awarded funding to implement Camp Wonderopolis programming for families during summer months through a series of four workshops.

NCFL will award each library a $3,000 grant and provide training and support to implement Camp Wonderopolis workshops for parents/caregivers and their school-aged children. Libraries will be expected to:

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ALA Coretta Scott King Book Donation Grant
Deadline: January 31, 2018
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ALA 2018 Pat Carterette Professional Development Grant
Deadline: February 15, 2018, at 11:59 pm CST. 
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The American Dream Starts @ your library
Deadline: January 2, 2018

The ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services with funding from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is offering up to 15 grants of $10,000 each through the American Dream Starts @ your library initiative. These grants will help public libraries to expand services for adult English language learners or adults in need of basic education and workforce development.

The grants allow libraries to augment their print and digital English as a second language (ESL) collections; increase computer access and training; provide job training; hold English language learning (ELL), general educational development (GED) and citizenship classes; and raise the visibility of services for immigrant populations.

Eligibility criteria:

• A public library or library system that serves adult English language learners. 
• Applicants must be located within 20 miles of a Dollar General Store, distribution center, or corporate office (please visit the Dollar General Store Locator online).
• Libraries and library systems that have previously received American Dream grants are eligible to apply.

Read the full project guidelines and apply online.
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Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services, and More Grant
Deadline: December 1, 2017


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ALA's Media Literacy @ Your Library Grants
Deadline: September 11, 2017.

Public libraries are invited to apply to be part of Media Literacy @ Your Library, a learning and prototyping project. The goal of this project is to train library workers to better equip the public to be discerning news consumers. ALA and the Center for News Literacy (CNL) will work with teams from five libraries to adapt existing media literacy training to serve the needs of public librarians and the communities they serve.

The five selected cohort library teams will attend in-person training and conduct related public programs in their communities. Team members will provide feedback on the training and serve as advisors to and beta testers for the development of a corresponding web-based learning experience. This grant opportunity seeks engagement from libraries willing to explore, implement, adapt and — most importantly — provide candid feedback on training that will ultimately enrich the field and better position libraries to meet community needs.

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ALA's "Libraries Ready to Code" Grants
Deadline: August 31, 2017

Libraries Ready to Code is an initiative of the American Library Association, sponsored by Google, which aims to ensure libraries have the resources, capacity, and inspiration to embrace activities that promote computational thinking (CT) and computer science (CS) among our nation’s youth.

ALA is accepting grant proposals of up to $25,000 to join a cohort of libraries that will 1) implement CT or CS programming for and with youth via their library; and 2) collaboratively develop a Ready to Code toolkit with the goal of enabling any library, regardless of geography, expertise, or affluence to deliver programming that promotes computer science and computational thinking among youth.

For more information and to apply, visit the website.
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The Pilcrow Foundation Rural Public Library Grants
Deadlines: March 1, May 1, and October 1, 2017

The Pilcrow Foundation, a national non-profit public charity, provides a 2-to-1 match to rural public libraries that receive a grant through its Children’s Book Project and contribute $200-$400 through a local sponsors for the purchase of up to $1200 worth (at retail value) of new, quality, hardcover children’s books.

Grant recipients can select from a list of over 500 quality hardcover children’s books best suited for their community, including award-winning and star-reviewed titles from educational and literary organizations. The Pilcrow Foundation accepts applications from independent rural public libraries and Native American Tribal libraries as well as libraries that are part of a county, regional, or cooperative system.

Rural public libraries in the United States that have suffered loss and damage due to recent natural disasters (flooding, fire, hurricanes, etc.) may be eligible for special non-matching book grants: Disaster Relief Grant information.

For more details and application process, please visit the website: https://thepilcrowfoundation.org/childrens-book-project 
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YALSA's Future Ready with the Library: Connecting with Communities for College and Career Readiness Services

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ALA's Vietnam War Programming Kit
Deadline: August 1, 2017

In partnership with WETA in Washington, D.C., the American Library Association (ALA) has developed a public library programming kit for "The Vietnam War," a film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Fifty public libraries will be selected, through a competitive application process, to receive the kit, which will include a programming guide and a copy of the full 18-hour documentary series on DVD, with public performance rights. The kit will help libraries participate in a national conversation about one of the most consequential, divisive and controversial events in American history.

Recipients will also receive promotional materials, online resources developed to support local programs, opportunities for partnership with local PBS station(s), and more. Participating libraries will be required to host at least one program related to the film before Jan. 1, 2018, along with other promotional and reporting requirements.

View the full project guidelines or begin your online application.
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YALSA Dollar General Teen Read Week Grant
Deadline: June 1, 2017

Through funding from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, YALSA will offer ten $1,000 grants to recognize outstanding Teen Read Week activities from its members.


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Best Buy Teen Tech Center Grants
Deadline: June 5, 2017

Since 2012, Best Buy has partnered with the Clubhouse Network to open twelve Best Buy Teen Tech Centers. They plan on funding 6 more sites in 2017 in: Atlanta, Cleveland, Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh. At the centers, teens leverage technology to develop projects based on their own interests, including creating art and producing music and animations; designing science simulations and mobile applications; writing and illustrating interactive poetry, stories, and films; building kinetic sculptures and robotic constructions; and designing 3D worlds and games.


- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:05 AM 0 comments

 
Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2017

Walmart Foundation has a number of grants available. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have identified four core areas of giving: Strengthening Local Communities, Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, and Career Opportunity. See below for more information on national and state grants or follow this link: http://giving.walmart.com/apply-for-grants.

The Community Grant Program awards grants ranging from $250 to $2,500 through every local facility (Walmart Stores, Sam's Clubs, and Logistics Facilities). Applications may be received anytime before the deadline of Dec. 31. Eligible nonprofit organizations must directly benefit the service area of the facility from which they are requesting funding. Organizations applying must meet one of the following criteria:

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Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants
Deadline: May 18, 2017

Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Grant funding is provided to assist in the following areas:
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FTRF Judith Krug Fund Banned Books Week Grants
Deadline: May 12, 2017
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Vernon Library Supplies Grants: English Literacy for New Immigrants
Deadline: October 31, 2017


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NASA@ My Library Grant
Deadline: March 22, 2017

Seventy-five U.S. public libraries will be selected through a competitive application process to become NASA@ My Library Partners and participate in the 18-month project (Phase 1), with the opportunity to extend for an additional two-year period (Phase 2).

NASA@ My Library Partners will receive materials and training to assist them in leading educational, fun STEM programming for all ages. Participating libraries will receive two NASA STEM Facilitation Kits designed for use in hands-on STEM programming; a tablet computer pre-loaded with how-to videos, apps, educational games and other materials relevant to the Facilitation Kits; an invitation to a two-day orientation workshop in Denver; programming and travel stipends; and more. For a full list of Phase 1 and Phase 2 benefits, view the full project guidelines. 
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Medical Library Association Seeks Applications for Research, Development, Demonstration Project Grant
Deadline: December 1, 2016

Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded in support of research, development, or demonstration projects designed to promote excellence in the field of health sciences librarianship and information sciences. To be eligible, applicants must hold a graduate degree in library science; be a practicing health sciences librarian with at least two years of professional experience; and be a citizen of or have permanent residence status in either the United States or Canada. Priority will be given to individual MLA members. For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the MLA website.
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American Association of School Librarians Innovative Reading Projects
Deadline: February 1, 2017

The American Association of School Librarians, a division of the American Library Association, is accepting applications from school librarians for its AASL Innovative Reading Grant program. A single grant in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded to support the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program that motivates and encourages children to read more. The proposed project should promote the importance of reading and facilitate literacy development by supporting current reading research, practice, and policy. In addition, the project must be specifically designed for children (grades K-9) in a school library setting, encourage innovative ways to involve children in reading, and demonstrate potential to impact student learning.

To be eligible, applicants must be a member of AASL. (Note: the grant recipient also may be invited to write an article that describes his or her project and includes learnings and recommendations so that others may replicate its success.) See the AASL website for complete program guidelines and application procedures.
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PLA Grants and Awards

Deadline: December 5, 2016

The Public Library Association has nine service awards and grants to highlight the best in public library service and honor those bringing innovation, creativity, and dedication to public libraries. Consider nominating yourself, a colleague, or your library today! The PLA Awards include:

Allie Beth Martin Award
Honors a librarian who, in a public library setting, has demonstrated extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books or other library materials and has distinguished ability to share that knowledge.

Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music / Video Product Award
Designed to provide a public library the opportunity to build or expand a collection of either or both formats in whatever proportion the library chooses.

Charlie Robinson Award
Honors a public library director who, over a period of seven (7) years, has been a risk taker, an innovator and/or a change agent in a public library.

Demco New Leaders Travel Grant
Designed to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities.

EBSCO Excellence in Rural Library Service Award
Honors a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment.

Gordon M. Conable Award
Honors a public library staff member, a library trustee, or a public library, that has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights.

John Iliff Award
Honors the life and accomplishments of John Iliff, early adopter and champion of technology in public libraries, and recognizes the contributions of a library worker, librarian, or library that has used technology and innovative thinking as a tool to improve services to public library users.

Romance Writers of America Library Grant
Designed to provide a public library the opportunity to build or expand its romance fiction collection and/or host romance fiction programming.

Upstart Innovation Award
Recognizes a public library’s innovative and creative service program to the community.
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NEA Big Read Grants
Deadline: January 26, 2017

NEA Big Read is accepting applications from libraries and non-profit organizations to develop community-wide reading programs between September 2017 and June 2018. NEA Big Read is a national program that broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book.

A Big Read is a month-long series of programs centered around one NEA Big Read book. Programs should include a kickoff, a keynote, book discussions, and other artistic events to foster engagement with the selected title and encourage reading.

Organizations selected to participate in the program receive a grant, educational and promotional materials, and access to online training resources and opportunities. Approximately 75 organizations from across the country will be selected. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $20,000. 13 new titles have been added to the Big Read list this year.

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:36 AM 0 comments

 
WebJunction's Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces

Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces is a two-year project made possible by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Smart spaces are where discovery and community intersect, fostering social connection among people of all ages by providing opportunities for active learning.

Through this project, 15 small public libraries serving rural or otherwise remote communities will be selected to participate in an online orientation and community of practice facilitated by WebJunction, OCLC's public library program. They will work with each other and their communities to reimagine and reconfigure their library spaces as hubs of active learning and engagement.

Project participation is free to selected libraries. OCLC will provide each library with up to $5,000 in federal grant funds for allowable expenses associated with their space transformation. Allowable expenses generally include items like furniture, décor, computer equipment, lighting, shelving, shipping, etc.


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NEH Digital Humanities Advancement Grants
Deadline: January 11, 2017

NEH Digital Humanities Advancement Grants (DHAG) support digital projects throughout their life cycles, from early start-up phases through implementation and long-term sustainability. Experimentation, reuse, and extensibility are hallmarks of this grant category, leading to innovative work that can scale to enhance research, teaching, and public programming in the humanities.

Proposals are welcome for digital initiatives in any area of the humanities. Through a special partnership, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) anticipates providing additional funding to this program to encourage innovative collaborations between museum or library professionals and humanities professionals to advance preservation of, access to, use of, and engagement with digital collections and services. Through this partnership, IMLS and NEH may jointly fund some DHAG projects that involve collaborations with museums and/or libraries.

Digital Humanities Advancement Grants may involve creating or enhancing experimental, computationally-based methods or techniques that contribute to the humanities; pursuing scholarship that examines the history, criticism, and philosophy of digital culture and its impact on society, or explores the philosophical or practical implications and impact of digital humanities in specific fields or disciplines; or revitalizing and/or recovering existing digital projects that promise to contribute substantively to scholarship, teaching, or public knowledge of the humanities.

For the application and more details, visit the website: www.neh.gov/grants/odh/digital-humanities-advancement-grants.
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TEI Landmark Audio’s 25th Year Children’s Literacy and Programming Grant
Deadline: November 15, 2016

To celebrate 25 years of "Giving a Voice to Literature," TEI Landmark Audio will award (25) $1,000 grants to support literacy for young people. All libraries are invited to participate in this grant opportunity, whether or not they are current customers. Grant awards will be announced on December 15, 2016.

Applicants must be a public or nonprofit community based organization (ex: library or school). Individual library branches within a larger system are welcome to apply. Funds must be used for children’s programming/children’s literacy programming.

You may download the simple, single page Grant Application at www.teilandmarkaudio.com/pdf/Grant_Application.pdf. Details, deadlines, and requirements are noted on the application. Applications must be signed by a library director and include a contact for the grant administrator.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 4:02 PM 0 comments

 
The Penguin Random House Library Awards for Innovation

All programs must show measurement of successful outcomes, and some of the following:

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:36 AM 0 comments

 
Califa Library Group: PLACE Grants

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NHPRC Grant: Public Engagement with Historical Records
Draft Deadline (optional): July 26, 2016
Final Deadline: October 6, 2016

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) of the National Archives seeks projects that encourage public engagement with historical records, including the development of new tools that enable people to engage online. The NHPRC is looking for projects that create models and technologies that other institutions can freely adopt. In general, collaborations among archivists, documentary editors, historians, educators, and/or community-based individuals are more likely to create a competitive proposal.

Projects might create and develop programs to engage people in the study and use of historical records for institutional, educational or personal reasons. For example, an applicant can:

• Enlist volunteer "citizen archivists" in projects to accelerate access to historical records,especially those online. This may include, but is not limited to, efforts to identify, tag, transcribe, annotate, or otherwise enhance digitized historical records.
• Develop educational programs for K-16 students or community members that encourage them to engage with historical records already in repositories or that are collected as part of the project.

For a comprehensive list of the Commission's limitations on funding, please see What We Do and Do Not Fund. A grant normally is for one to three years. The Commission expects to make up to three grants between $50,000 and $150,000. Grants begin no earlier than July 1, 2017. Eligible applicants include:

• Nonprofit organizations or institutions
• Colleges, universities, and other academic institutions
• State or local government agencies
• Federally-acknowledged or state-recognized Native American tribes or groups

For more information and a link to the application, please visit: http://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/engagement.html
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 4:18 PM 0 comments

 
NEH Humanities Collections and Reference Resources Grant
Deadline July 19, 2016

The Humanities Collections and Reference Resources (HCRR) program supports projects that provide an essential underpinning for scholarship, education, and public programming in the humanities. Thousands of libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations across the country maintain important collections of books and manuscripts, photographs, sound recordings and moving images, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, art and material culture, and digital objects. Funding from this program strengthens efforts to extend the life of such materials and make their intellectual content widely accessible, often through the use of digital technology. Awards are also made to create various reference resources that facilitate use of cultural materials, from works that provide basic information quickly to tools that synthesize and codify knowledge of a subject for in-depth investigation.

HCRR offers two kinds of awards: 1) for implementation and 2) for planning, assessment, and pilot efforts. The maximum award for planning and pilot projects is $50,000. Example projects include: arranging and describing archival and manuscript collections; cataloging collections of printed works, photographs, recorded sound, moving images, art, and material culture; providing conservation treatment for collections, leading to enhanced access; digitizing collections; preserving and improving access to born-digital sources, including the updating of existing digital resources; creating oral history interview collections about war and military service; developing databases, virtual collections, and other digital resources.

U.S. nonprofit organizations are eligible, as are state and local governmental agencies and federally recognized Indian tribal governments. For more information and applications, visit the website and download application materials from the right sidebar: http://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/humanities-collections-and-reference-resources
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 8:52 AM 0 comments

 
Best Buy Foundation Community Grants
Deadline: July 1, 2016

The Best Buy Foundation will donate Community Grants to local and regional nonprofit organizations that provide teens with places and opportunities to develop 21st century technology skills that will inspire future education and career choices.
Examples of program activities include:

• Computer programming
• Digital imaging (photography, graphic design, videography)
• Music production Robotics
• Gaming and mobile app development

Community Grants are designed to support local efforts and are reviewed for consideration by Best Buy teams across the nation. The average grant amount is $5,000 and will not exceed $10,000. Visit the Best Buy website for RFP guidelines and application.
- posted by Pam MacKellar @ 8:05 AM 0 comments

 
Grammy Foundation Grants for Music Research and Preservation Projects

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:49 AM 0 comments

 
Humanities Open Book Program

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Knight News Challenge: Libraries

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NEA Challenge America Grants
Deadline: April 14, 2016

The Challenge America grant offers support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations -- those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. The involvement of professionally trained, experienced artists and arts professionals is essential. Grants are available for professional arts programming and for projects that emphasize the potential of the arts in community development such as an event with a guest artist, promotion of community-wide arts activities and resources, or the development of a visual arts project through community engagement. Challenge America grants are for a fixed amount of $10,000 and require a minimum $10,000 match. For more information and application details, please visit: https://www.arts.gov/grants-organizations/challenge-america.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 5:33 PM 0 comments

 
EBSCO Solar Grant for Libraries
Deadline: April 29, 2016

Are you a publicly-funded U.S. library interested in transitioning from brown power (electric, gas, oil, etc.) to solar power? EBSCO has announced a grant program that will fund up to $150,000 to one or more libraries to pay for a solar installation. This will allow the winning libraries to reduce their utilities expenditures and, if allowed in their state, to sell back electricity to the grid.

One of the goals of the grant is to introduce people to solar power and the value of alternative energies. The grant application asks how the library grant project will include programs, community engagement or educational opportunities. Examples given in the FAQ include the following. A public library or school might incorporate the installation into a community outreach program or create book displays and reading lists about solar power. A college or university might engage its Environmental Studies or Engineering faculty and students in the project or create ways to engage the student body.

For more information, including the application, please visit the website: https://www.ebsco.com/solar
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 8:46 AM 0 comments

 
NEH Preservation Grants for Smaller Institutions
Deadline: May 3, 2016

Preservation Assistance Grants, awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), help small and mid-sized institutions, such as libraries, historical societies, and archival repositories, improve their ability to preserve and care for their significant humanities collections. These may include special collections of books and journals, archives and manuscripts, prints and photographs, moving images, sound recordings, architectural and cartographic records, decorative and fine art objects, textiles, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, furniture, historical objects, and digital materials.

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:44 PM 0 comments

 
NEH Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections
Deadline: December 1, 2016

The National Endowment for the Humanities' Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections grants help cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting sustainable conservation measures that mitigate deterioration and prolong the useful life of collections. US libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations are eligible. All applicants, whether applying for planning or implementation projects, are required to focus on sustainable preventive conservation strategies.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:37 PM 0 comments

 
Deadline Extended! We Need a Few More Grant Success Stories!
Your library could be highlighted in our upcoming book, Winning Grants: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians! 16 fantastic library grant success stories were showcased in the last edition of our book. Now is your chance to be included in our next book! Readers would love to learn about a successful grant your library has received. Tell us of your accomplishments, both planned and unexpected. All types of libraries and all sizes of grants will be included. Please complete this form. We will let you know if your library is chosen to be showcased.

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:25 AM 0 comments

 
ALSC's Día Family Book Club Grants
Deadline: Feb. 22, 2016

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is accepting proposals for the 2016 Día Turns 20 mini-grants. Twenty grants to public libraries of $2,000  will help to celebrate the 20th anniversary of connecting children with diverse books through Día. This mini-grant is made possible by a generous donation from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

The Día Turns 20 mini-grant is part of the Children’s Day/Book Day or El día de los niños/El día de los libros initiative. This nationally recognized initiative emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds, and 2016 marks the 20th year of its observance. Día is a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages and cultures. This is the second of two funding opportunities that ALSC has offered this year to help libraries celebrate Día all year. ALSC also manages the National Día Program Registry to help libraries and community partners share information about their Día programs throughout the year.

For more information and to apply for the mini-grant, please visit: http://dia.ala.org/content/dia-turns-20-mini-grants-apply-now
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 6:59 PM 0 comments

 
Rural Gateways Grant
Deadline: February 15, 2016


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Snapdragon Book Foundation
Deadline: Friday, April 15, 2016

The Snapdragon Book Foundation provides funds to improve school libraries for disadvantaged children. Founded by a former school librarian, this foundation exists to put books in the hands of kids. Grants are awarded to U.S. public, private, and experimental schools. Winners are notified in June. For more information, and to apply visit the website: http://www.snapdragonbookfoundation.org.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:46 AM 0 comments

 
Department of Labor - Strengthening Working Families Initiative Grants
Deadline: Mar 16, 2016

To help parents obtain affordable, quality child care necessary to pursue education and training opportunities leading to good jobs in growing industries, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of up to $25 million in grants through the Strengthening Working Families Initiative.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:13 AM 0 comments

 
AASL Grants and Awards
Deadlines: February 1, 2016
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has a number of awards and grants.

ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant:
This grant, up to $1,750, is given to school library associations that are AASL affiliates for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional, or local levels. New ideas and approaches to leadership are encouraged. Applicant must be a current member of the AASL Affiliate Assembly. Possibilities include programs that: involve new members; train on-going leaders; prepare school librarians to be building or district level leaders; and/or encourage collaboration among organizations. For more information see: http://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/leadership

Innovative Reading Grant
This $2,500 grant supports the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for children which motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers. For more information see: http://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/innovative.

The Ruth Toor Grant for Strong Public School Libraries
The grant provides funding to public school libraries—located in the U.S. and led by a certified school librarian—for the creation and implementation of a local public awareness/marketing campaign that promotes and positions their school library as a necessary resource in the community, tying in the theme “Strong School Libraries.” Funding includes $3,000 to create and implement a project that promotes school library awareness and its accomplishments to school officials and administrators; and $2,000 for both the school librarian and school official (or volunteer parent) to attend the AASL national conference or the ALA Annual Conference during the years when there is no AASL national conference. For more information see: http://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/toor

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 5:11 PM 0 comments

 
Captain Planet Foundation EcoTech Grants
Deadline: March 15, 2016

Grants in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded to schools or non-profits organizations for the purpose of engaging children in inquiry-based projects in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) that use innovation, biomimicry / nature-based design, or new uses for technology to address environmental problems in their communities. See details and application information at: http://captainplanetfoundation.org/ecotech-grants
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 4:43 PM 0 comments

 
Captain Planet Foundation Small Grants
Deadlines: January 31 and September 30

Want to teach youth about the environment? Start a library garden project, recyling program, or other hands-on environmental education programming. The Captain Planet Foundation awards grants in the amount of $500 - $2,500 to U.S.-based schools and organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $3 million. The Foundation's objective is to encourage innovative programs that empower children and youth to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Projects must be project-based, performed by youth, and have real environmental outcomes.
The application process (online form) and more details are on the website.


- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 4:35 PM 0 comments

 
ALA Loleta D. Fyan Grant
Deadline: January 10, 2016

Loleta Fyan, 1951-52 ALA President, bequeathed funds to ALA with the intent that "these funds be used for the development and improvement of public libraries and the services they provide."

Applicants for grants up to $5,000 can include: local, regional or state libraries, associations or organizations, including units of the American Library Association; library schools; or individuals. The project(s):
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:40 PM 0 comments

 
ALA Traveling Exhibition: Thinking Money
Deadline: Jan. 29, 2016.

The ALA Public Programs Office, in partnership with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation, is accepting applications for Thinking Money, a traveling exhibition to U.S. public libraries.

Money affects all Americans, but many of us lack the knowledge we need to make smart financial choices that will prepare us for whatever the future brings. Thinking Money strives to teach tweens, teens and their parents, caregivers and educators about financial literacy topics — like saving, spending and avoiding fraud — in a way that is not only understandable, but fun.

Thinking Money is a museum-quality exhibition that will travel to 50 U.S. public libraries between 2016 and 2018. Through an adventure-themed storyline, interactive iPad content and other fun, hands-on activities, the exhibition explores themes like wants vs. needs, preparing for a rainy/sunny day, and imagining your future self.

Each selected site will receive:

• 1,000-square-foot traveling exhibition and two iPads preloaded with fun educational content and four low-tech activity stations for a six-week loan;
• travel and accommodations to attend a workshop at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando;
• online training modules for library staff and tips and tools for related programs; and
• $1,000 programming allowance

There are two informational conference calls on Nov. 19 at 12 p.m. CST or Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. CST.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:59 AM 0 comments

 
Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries
DEADLINE: February 15, 2016

Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries are a special funding opportunity within the IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. These small grants encourage libraries and archives to test and evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. You may propose activities or approaches that involve risk, as long as the risk is balanced by significant potential for improvement in the ways libraries and museums serve their communities.

Successful proposals will address problems, challenges, or needs of broad relevance to libraries and/or archives. A proposed project should test a specific, innovative response to the identified problem and present a plan to make the findings widely and openly accessible. Visit the IMLS website for more information.
- posted by Pam MacKellar @ 1:00 PM 0 comments

 
Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries
DEADLINE: December 14, 2015

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, helps school libraries encourage and foster a love of reading, support student learning, and make books and reading materials available to students who otherwise would not have access to them. Grants of up to $7,000 will be awarded to help libraries in schools where 85 percent or more of students qualify for free or reduced lunches expand, update, and diversify their book collections.

Schools serving pre-K through grade 12 in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and all American territories, as well as Department of Defense schools in other countries, are eligible to apply. This includes all public, private, parochial, charter, city, state, county, and reservation schools — including special schools, social services schools, and juvenile detention center schools in any jurisdiction that serves any combination of pre-kindergarten through high school students.

For complete program guidelines, an FAQ, and application instructions, visit the Laura Bush Foundation website.
- posted by Pam MacKellar @ 12:45 PM 0 comments

 
ALA Annual Diversity Research Grant Program
Deadline: May 26, 2015

The ALA Diversity Research Grant program addresses critical gaps in the knowledge of diversity issues within library and information science. The Diversity Research Grant consists of a one-time $2500 annual award for original research.

Grant recipients are expected to compile the results of their research into a paper and will be asked to present and publish the final product in conjunction with the American Library Association within three months of completing their research. Grant proposals may address any diversity topic that speaks to critical gaps in the knowledge of diversity issues within library and information science. Grant applicants must be ALA members, and may direct questions to diversity@ala.org. For more details including submission guidelines and evaluation criteria, visit the website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 4:49 PM 0 comments

 
Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Book Grants
Deadline: May 29th, 2015

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation annually awards grants to school libraries and bookmobile programs, as well as charitable organizations [501(c)(3)] or other non-taxable organizations that have lending libraries. The Foundation gives to libraries or organizations that serve economically or socially at-risk children, have limited book budgets, and demonstrate real need. Grants for 2014 will range from $500 to $3000 and are specifically for book purchases for children preschool through grade 8  Successful applicants have proposed purchases to update their children's book collections generally or to expand their holdings in specific areas. More details regarding the grant program and a link to the application can be found on their Grant Program Information web page.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 4:34 PM 0 comments

 
StoryCorps @ your library Grants
Deadline:  February 6th 2015

StoryCorps @ your library grants represent the second phase of the StoryCorps @ your library project, following a pilot program in 2013-2014. The grant is offered by StoryCorps, in partnership with the American Library Association Public Programs Office with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). For more information, please visit the StoryCorps website.

Ten selected libraries will receive equipment, training, promotional materials and other resources to help them develop community documentation projects using the popular and unique facilitated StoryCorps interview model. As part of the StoryCorps approach, each interview participant receives a copy of their recording. With participant permission and based upon a written agreement with StoryCorps, local libraries will retain copies of fully released interviews. Copies of fully released interviews will also be deposited with the Library of Congress. If you have questions about the application, please refer to the guidelines, or contact the ALA Public Programs Office at 312-280-5045, or publicprograms@ala.org.


- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:11 PM 0 comments