The Pilcrow Foundation Rural Public Library Book Grants

Deadlines: Annually, April 1 and October 1

The Pilcrow Foundation's mission is to provide new, quality, hardcover children's books to rural public libraries across the United States. The Children’s Book Project grants provide a 2-to-1 match to rural public libraries that contribute $200-$400 through local sponsors for the purchase of up to $1200 (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. Libraries must be located in a rural U.S. area, have a limited operating budget, have an active children’s department, and raise $200-$400 through a local sponsor. Libraries with total operating budgets of less than $50,000 receive priority. A rural community is typically more than 40 miles from an urban area (population over 50,000) and not a part of a metropolitan area. A rural town library system should serve a population under 10,000 (priority to community populations under 5,000). A rural county library system should serve a population under 20,000. 

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 the application process, please visit the website: https://thepilcrowfoundation.org/childrens-book-project 

Engaging Beyond Our Walls Grants for Libraries

 Deadline: August 15, 2022

American University's Game Center and the DC Public Library have received an IMLS grant to offer libraries tools, training, and templates to create neighborhood games. The Engaging Beyond Our Walls project provides:

• basic training in game design and storytelling for communities, plus $300 for supplies and $150  for training;
• turn-key game templates to tell local stories in just 30 minutes;
• free authoring tools that are easy enough for non-technical users to create games and stories;
• workshops and experiences for patrons, led by the pioneering Game Center of American University.

25+ libraries will receive support and funding to become hubs for creating outdoor games and interactive stories — using local history, community voices, and neighborhood landmarks to address the growing need to engage beyond library walls, including with digital media. Grant projects can focus on topics such as creating escape rooms with local history and public art, outdoor “story walks,” public history projects with digital media, local history-focused scavenger hunts, or audio tours that feature resident voices and archival photos sent by text message. 

There is no prior technical knowledge or expertise to apply or participate. Hive Mechanic is the tool that will be used, which does not require any programming experience. Anyone can create outdoor and immersive experiences for ordinary phones — no coding or programming skill is required. The approach is based on successful installations with the DC Public Library (DCPL), the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, and neighborhood cultural centers.

For more information, and to apply, visit the website: https://www.hivemechanic.org/workshops-for-libraries.

NNLM All of Us Community Awards: health and digital literacy library grants

Deadline: August 26, 2022

The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) All of Us Program Center Community Awards will provide funding to community-serving libraries and organizations to to expand health/digital literacy, and community partnerships through health programming and digital information access. Up to five awards are available with a maximum award amount of $30,000 each.

First-time NNLM award applicants and new NNLM members are encouraged to apply and membership is free. Grant projects may include activities such as programming, health fairs, loanable kits, technology acquisition and distribution, community science projects, and more.
Projects will help meet the following goals:

• Further individual and communities’ knowledge of and/or skills related to health literacy, digital literacy, and/or understanding of clinical medical research
• Build and strengthen partnerships with communities underrepresented in biomedical research
• Raise awareness of All of Us, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) precision medicine research program and interact with All of Us partner organizations

Increase awareness and use of NNLM All of Us learning activities, National Library of Medicine (NLM), and other trustworthy health information resources for individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. Project ideas, grant-writing resources, example application materials, and NNLM, NLM, and All of Us resources can be found in the full Application Guide (PDF, 1.1 MB).

To be eligible to apply, your organization must be:

• An NNLM member. Not yet a member? Sign up for free!
• A community-serving organization (public libraries, community-based organizations, etc.) or a partner with a community-serving organization for the project.
• Based in the United States and/or U.S. Territories.

For more information, including an application guide and link to the online application, visit the website: https://allofus.nnlm.gov/community-award-request-proposals

Library of Congress Grants: Community Collections Grants and Connecting Communities Digital Initiative

Deadlines: August 1, 2022 and September 30, 2022

As part of the Library of Congress's vision to connect all Americans and to empower new generations and diverse audiences to explore its enduring treasury of information, Of the People: Widening the Path enhances and supports diverse and inclusive participation in the creation and perpetuation of the nation’s historical and creative record. The following two Of the People grant opportunities are available.

The Community Collections Grants from the American Folklife Center (AFC) fund and support contemporary cultural field research and documentation within diverse communities. Available to Individuals and Organizations, the grants offer up to $50,000 each to support projects within their communities to produce ethnographic cultural documentation, such as of interviews with community members and audio-visual recordings of cultural activity, from the community perspective. The center will archive the collections from grant projects to preserve and showcase this rich and valuable cultural documentation, expanding its representation and inclusion of contemporary cultural expressions and traditions that may otherwise be absent from the national record. The program is open to US-based Individual applicants and non-profit Organizations, including institutions of higher education, colleges and universities, professional associations and community groups. The Library intends to award ten 12-month grants of up to $50,000 each. 
Get application information

The Connecting Communities Digital Initiative (CCDI) encourages creators in Black, Indigenous, and communities of color to combine Library materials with technology to connect Americans with a more expansive understanding of our past and future. Opportunities are available for Libraries, Archives, Museums (three grants for up to $50,000 each.), and Minority-Serving Higher Education Institutions (three grants for up to $50,000 each).
Get application information for Libraries, Archives, Museums
Get application information for Higher Education

Library Opportunity: Join Color and the CDC to increase free access to COVID-19 testing

Color Health is collaborating with the CDC to bring no cost COVID-19 testing to at-risk people in under-resourced communities. They are partnering with organizations like libraries nationwide to better serve communities with low testing access, rural locations, and/or neighborhoods with high social vulnerability index. More than 200 libraries are already set up as test distribution nodes and Color is looking to have over 1,000 sites set up in the next month. For more details, view the press release.

Low-effort. Minimal contact. No certifications needed.
Color is making it as easy as possible for sites to increase access to this critical healthcare service by taking care of much of the operations and costs needed to set up the program. They do need help from sites to distribute and package kits for shipping. So, in addition to the opportunity to be a part of a groundbreaking program, participating sites receive compensation for participating in the program, including a sign up bonus, a monthly fee, and a bonus for every completed test returned to Color from your site.

What are the requirements for testing sites?

• Host a pick-up and drop-off bin inside or outside your location with the free PCR tests
• Participants collect their PCR kit, self-swab, and drop in the drop-off bin
• Easily and safely pack up samples to ship with provided materials in a timely manner

Questions?
A complete overview of the program and responsibilities is available here: https://www.color.com/cust/testing-site-setup

Ready to register?
Complete the form at: https://color.jotform.com/221455216935860

Yiddish Book Center’s "Stories of Exile" Reading Groups for Public Libraries Program

Deadline: August 19, 2022

The Yiddish Book Center’s “Stories of Exile” Reading Groups for Public Libraries is a reading and discussion program to engage teens and adults in thinking about experiences of displacement, migration, and diaspora. Up to 30 libraries will be selected to organize a reading group for adults, teens ages 16 to 19, or a combined group to discuss three books of Yiddish literature in translation, as well as one book related to a community served by their library. To learn more, read the Frequently Asked Questions page.

All program participants receive:

• 15 copies of each of these three books: Survivors: Seven Short Stories, by Chava Rosenfarb; On the Landing: Stories by Yenta Mash; and The Glatstein Chronicles by Jacob Glatstein, as well as one copy for the facilitator and another for the library’s collection
• 15 copies of one additional book, selected by the library, which is related to the experiences of the community served by the library
• Travel, accommodation, and meal expenses paid for participation in a workshop on January 23-25, 2023, at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA, to orient library staff on engaging reading groups and discussion of Yiddish literature in translation
• Online access to downloadable discussion guides and programming resources for future use
• Advice and assistance in identifying potential guest speakers, as well as training and support for engaging guest speakers at public events

Applicants will be notified of decisions by September 30, 2022. The programming period runs from February 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. "Stories of Exile" Reading Groups for Public Libraries is made possible by a gift from Sharon Karmazin. For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/language-literature-culture/reading-groups-public-libraries 

PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T

Deadline: June 10, 2022

The Public Library Association (PLA) is partnering with AT&T to help libraries close the digital divide through new and improved DigitalLearn.org courses and training materials. Funds awarded will support libraries in conducting digital literacy training in their community and promote PLA and AT&T digital literacy courses, which are freely available in English and Spanish at DigitalLearn.org. Classes can be conducted either in-person or online. 

Every day community members who lack basic computer knowledge and skills access their local public libraries hoping to complete life tasks many of us take for granted.

Examples of how incentive funds may be used:

• Hire trainers to conduct the workshops.Purchase and distribute materials to promote PLA and AT&T digital literacy resources and library’s digital skills support. Examples include bookmarks, flash drives, flyers, headphones, etc.
• Advertise PLA and AT&T’s digital literacy resources and library’s digital literacy support. Examples include Facebook ads, Instagram Ads, Google Ads, newspaper advertisements, billboards, and promotional videos.
• Purchase equipment to be used for training (e.g., computer and/or projector to be used for trainings)
• Print handouts, certificates and other learner materials for in-person trainings
• Translate online course or training materials into languages other than currently available English and Spanish resources
• Rent a space for training (if needed and not held in a library)
• Purchase project supplies (e.g., paper, post-its, printing, etc.) or snacks for attendees
• Purchase PPE such as masks, hand and equipment sanitizer for in-person trainings

All public libraries in the US and Washington, DC, are eligible to apply for one of two incentive amounts:

• Tier 1 Incentive recipients will receive $4,000 and be required to conduct a minimum of three workshops reaching a total of 18 learners.
• Tier 2 Incentive recipients will receive $7,000 and be required to conduct a minimum of five workshops reaching a minimum of 50 learners.

Applications will be reviewed and selected by PLA this summer and recipients will be announced in August. Learn more and apply at https://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/digitalliteracy/incentive.

FTRF Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Programming Grants

Deadline: June 6, 2022

Each year the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) distributes grants to non-profit organizations including all types of libraries, schools, and universities to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Week celebration (September 18 - 24, 2022). Grants will be awarded for $1,000.

Grants are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Imagination: What makes your plan unique? How have you integrated the concept that Books Unite Us: Censorship Divides Us?
• Schedule/Action Plan: Include key dates, responsibilities, and think of ways to collaborate with other groups to carry out a creative project.
• Promotional Plan: What are the ways you will promote your event and who is your intended audience? Do you have a media and social media plan?
• Budget. It is preferred that institutions and other groups they are working with partially contribute to the funding of proposed events rather than solely relying on the grant. Designating funds for the purchase of books, or as an honorarium for one speaker, is discouraged.

For more information and the online application form, visit www.ftrf.org/?page=Krug_BBW.

Emergency Connectivity Fund: 3rd Round Open!

Deadline: May 13, 2022

This $7.17 billion program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 through the FCC’s E-rate program presents an unprecedented funding opportunity for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most beyond the confines of library walls. The ECF program provides no-match-needed funding to schools and libraries for the reasonable costs of eligible equipment and services that can be provided to students, teachers, and library patrons who lack connected devices, such as laptop or tablet computers, and/or lack broadband access. 

Participating public and tribal libraries and K12 schools will receive 100% reimbursement for the cost of hotspots and other Wi-Fi capable devices, modems, routers, laptops, tablets, and similar devices to loan to patrons, students, teachers, and staff for use off and on library and school grounds.

To help libraries take advantage of this one-time infusion of funding to offset expenses associated with providing connectivity to library patrons who need it most, the ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office has created an Emergency Connectivity Fund Solutions Toolkit. "The ECF presents an unprecedented funding opportunity for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most beyond the confines of library walls. With 100 percent reimbursement of costs for eligible equipment and services and the ability to receive upfront reimbursement, now is the moment to think big about how your library can leverage new funding to boost current technology lending efforts to reach more people or launch new services to connect your community…or both! Your library may also take advantage of other ARPA funds to support related digital inclusion needs, such as programming, staffing, and staff training."

Examples include: 

• a library applied for $100,000 in funding to purchase Chromebooks that would accompany preexisting hotspots for a telehealth access program
• a rural library system applied for funding in partnership with the local city government to supply 2,000 hotspots to residents on a 1 year loan period
• an urban library applied for funding to purchase over 30,000 hotspots and Chromebooks to distribute to students in partnership with local school districts

NOTE: Organizations must be registered on SAM. It can take up to 20 days for SAM registration to become active. Apply as soon as possible. Go to https://www.sam.gov. See the ECF toolkit for more instructions on Preparing to Apply for the ECF Program.

ALA's  Emergency Connectivity Fund Solutions Toolkit: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/ECF 

Emergency Connectivity Fund: https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund 

ALA Carnegie-Whitney Grants

Deadline: November 4, 2022

The Carnegie-Whitney Grant program provides grants of up to $5,000 for the preparation of popular or scholarly reading lists, webliographies, indexes and other other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library. The grants are intended to cover preparation costs appropriate to the development of a useful product, including the cost of research. The grants do not cover the costs of final printing or online distribution of the product.

Grants are awarded to individuals; local, regional or state libraries, associations or organizations, including units, affiliates and committees of the American Library Association, or programs of information and library studies/science.

The project(s) must:

• focus on American libraries
• demonstrate how the project would stimulate the use of library resources
• have the potential appeal and usefulness to a broad audience
• be intended for national distribution
• meet a need for publication
• be completed within two years
• be new or in process. Completed works, works under contract for publication, or projects associated with the completion of academic work are not eligible.
  

For more information and the proposal requirements, visit the ALA website.

Library Grant Tips on Twitter

My awesome graduate-level San Jose State University iSchool students are tweeting grant writing tips to share what they've learned with the library world in my grant writing course! I'll be retweeting them (twitter.com/librarygrants) and you can follow #librarygrants on twitter.

T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program for Small and Rural Communities

Deadlines: Quarterly; the last day of each quarter 

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program intends to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities throughout the United States. Up to 100 towns each year for the next five years will receive community improvement grants of up to $50,000 for projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections.

 

The focus is on providing support to revitalize community spaces in towns with 50,000 people or less. Examples of eligible projects include revitalizing a town hall, a senior center, a library, or any space where friends and neighbors gather. Elected leaders, town managers and employees, and nonprofit leaders are eligible to submit applications. The full proposal should be three-five pages, and include a "shovel-ready” plan, and up to 5 letters of support.

For more information and to apply, visit the website: t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants 

NEH National Digital Newspaper Program

Deadline: January 12, 2023 (New application available November 1, 2022)

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications for the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP). The purpose of this program is to create a national digital resource of historically significant newspapers published between 1690 and 1963 from all 56 states and U.S. jurisdictions. This searchable database will be permanently maintained at the Library of Congress (LC) and will be freely accessible online.

Successful applicants will select newspapers—published in their state or jurisdiction between 1690 and 1963—and over a period of two years (beginning Oct. 1, 2023), convert approximately 100,000 pages into digital files (preferably from microfilm), according to the technical guidelines outlined by LC. The maximum award amount is $325,000 with expected outputs of digitized newspapers and online resources. NEH welcomes applications that involve collaboration between prior NDNP recipients and new partners. Such collaborations might involve arranging with experienced recipients to manage the creation and delivery of digital files; offering regular and ongoing consultation on managing aspects of the project; or providing formal training for project staff at an onsite institute or workshop.

NDNP supports dissemination activities that engage the wider public in exploring the digitized content, within appropriate limits. Your budget may include staff time, consultation with outside experts, and other eligible expenses related to disseminating the NEH-funded products, but keep in mind that the primary purpose of this program is to create a national digital resource of historically significant newspapers. Prior recipients may apply for subsequent NDNP awards to further newspaper digitization efforts.

The application and more details are provided on the NEH website: 

https://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/national-digital-newspaper-program 

Library Grants Blog: Receive updates via email

UPDATE: I've decided to pay for this service so your emails won't have ads. :)

For over 10 years, the Library Grants Blog included Google's FeedBurner email subscription service that allowed you the option to get emailed alerts when a feed updates. Google is no longer offering this free e-mail delivery service for feedburner. In order to help with this change, all confirmed e-mail subscribers have been moved to getting their email updates via the follow.it service. You can unsubscribe if this is no longer helpful for you.

If you’d like to start getting a daily or automatic email when a new library grant opportunity is posted, click here to subscribe. The emails will be sent from follow.it, and have the title “Library Grants Blog - new message.” 

This is an unpaid service, and they do include an ad at the bottom of the email, but I am not at all affiliated with the ad service and I don't receive any payment or other compensation for providing this service. 

Thank you for being interested in library grant opportunities and for being one of over 1 million visitors to this site! 

NEH Digital Humanities Advancement Grants

Deadlines: Optional Draft due April 25, 2022
Application due: June 24, 2022

Proposals are welcome in any area of the humanities from organizations of all types and sizes. The Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program (DHAG) supports innovative, experimental, and/or computationally challenging digital projects at different stages of their lifecycles, from early start-up phases through implementation and sustainability.

IMLS encourages DHAG applicants to work in collaboration, and employ the expertise of, library and archives staff at your institution or across the country to strengthen knowledge networks, empower community learning, foster civic cohesion, advance research, and support the traditionally underserved.

The maximum award amounts are:

• Level I: $50,000
• Level II: $150,000
• Level III: $350,000 in outright funds, with an additional $50,000 in matching funds

Examples of an expected output include: Article; Digital Infrastructure; Digital Material and Publication; Report; Software; Teaching Resources. Projects can be carried out during a time period of up to thirty-six months.

DHAG applicants must respond to one or more of these programmatic priorities:

• research and refinement of innovative, experimental, or computationally challenging methods and techniques
• enhancement or design of digital infrastructure, such as open-source code, tools, or platforms, that contribute to and support the humanities
• research that examines the history, criticism, ethics, or philosophy of digital culture or technology and its impact on society, including racial, religious, and/or gender biases
• evaluative studies that investigate the practices and the impact of digital scholarship on research, pedagogy, scholarly communication, and public engagement

Application: Please visit the website at https://www.neh.gov/grants/odh/digital-humanities-advancement-grants for more details and application information.

The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation Educator Grants

Deadlines: February 25, 2022, May 1, 2022 or September 15, 2022 

The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation has three grant opportunities available for educators.

Student Success Grants support educators engaging students in project-based and deeper learning to support the development of skills and dispositions contributing to success and fulfillment in a changing world. Two levels of funding are available: $1,500 and $5,000 and can be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, or technology. Applications are invited from educators, specialized instructional support personnel, and education support professionals to:

• develop and implement a project that will enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and/or supporting personalized and experiential learning;
• support students’ mastery of essential academic content; and/or support students’ cultural understanding and appreciation;
• promote students’ communication and collaboration skills; or
• enable students to engage in learning experiences connected to real-world issues and challenges.

Learning & Leadership Grants support the professional development of NEA members by providing  $1,500 to $5,000 grants to: 

• Individuals to participate in high-quality professional development like summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad programs, or action research and 
• Groups to fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson plan development, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff.

Grants are available to current members of the National Education Association who are educators in public schools or public institutions of higher education, including education support professionals. Grant funds can be used for travel, room, meals, registration fees, materials, etc. for individual grants. For group grants, funds can be used for educator stipends, substitute fees, materials, travel, meals, etc. 

Envision Equity Grants enable educators to test creative new ideas and innovations, demonstrating exemplary teaching and learning. They also support project-based learning and help educators to advance students' cultural understanding and appreciation, anti-racism commitments, and understanding of civic engagement and democracy. Envision Equity grants will fund projects between $1,500 and $5,000. Examples of possible uses of funds (this is not an exhaustive or prescriptive list):

• Bring trainers to your school to support culturally-sustaining teaching and learning;
• Purchase and implement new social and emotional learning curriculum materials;
• Pay for supplies to implement project-based learning, addressing a real-world challenge;
• Develop stronger education-focused family, school, and community partnerships;
• Gain access to resources that can help to deepen students’ understanding of racial equity and anti-racist commitments and actions;
• Implement projects elevating student voice and supporting students’ engagement in civic and community life.

ProLiteracy Adult Literacy Grants

Deadlines: Varies, see specific opportunity

ProLiteracy provides U.S. adult literacy programs with grants for quality print and digital adult education materials to help them reach more adult learners to improve their lives.

There are four grant opportunities available. Through the National Book Fund® and the Mobile Learning Fund®, programs can apply for grants to receive free New Readers Press® print and digital solutions. And through the Write Her Future Institute, a women’s empowerment through literacy program provided through our partnership with Lancôme USA, programs can apply for free licenses of Voxy®, a personalized mobile learning solution focused on English language learning. With the Literacy Opportunity Fund programs in the United States that provide literacy education services directly to students can apply for general operating support grants. Details about two of the grant funds with current open opportunities:

Literacy Opportunity Fund
Quarterly deadlines: January 3, April 1, July 1, and October 1
Funded by the Nora Roberts Foundation and administered by ProLiteracy, the Literacy Opportunity Fund distributes grants of $3,000 to $6,000 to support general operating expenses, such as salaries, technology, supplies, teacher stipends, equipment, space rental, etc. However, your application might also focus on a particular project or new programming effort.

Write Her Future Institute
Deadline: Grants are awarded on a rolling basis.
ProLiteracy and Lancôme worked together to develop the Write Her Future Institute to empower women through literacy, by providing the opportunities and tools for women to improve their lives. The Lancôme grant to ProLiteracy will provide free access to Voxy EnGen®, a personalized language learning platform that pairs authentic content with personalized live instruction—all delivered in a fully mobile experience.

The Wish You Well Foundation Adult Literacy Grants

Deadline: Ongoing

Established in 2002, the Wish You Well Foundation has the mission of "Supporting adult and family literacy in the United States by fostering new and promoting existing adult literacy and educational programs." The primary focus of their work is to support non-profit U.S. organizations that teach adults the literacy skills they need to communicate, grow, and thrive within their communities; they do not fund youth programs. The Wish You Well Foundation reviews donation requests with a wide array of funding needs. Most requests range from $200 to $10,000. Grants are awarded throughout the year.

For more information and the very short application, visit the foundation website: https://www.wishyouwellfoundation.org/apply-for-funding

Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants

Deadline: May 19, 2022 (by 10 pm CST)

All types of schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations who help K-12th grade students that are below grade level or having trouble reading are eligible to apply. The maximum grant amount is $4,000. Grants will be announced on September 8, 2022. Applicant organization must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. Grant funding is provided to assist in the following areas:

• Implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs
• Purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives
• Purchasing books, materials or software for literacy programs

For more information and to apply, visit the Dollar General 2021 Youth Literacy Grant website.

NEA Challenge America Grants

Deadline: April 21, 2022 (advised to begin registration process on SAM.gov and Grants.gov by the end of March)

Since 2001, the National Endowment for the Arts grant program, Challenge America, has promoted equal access to the arts in communities across America. Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines that extend the reach of the arts to populations that are underserved. The program features an abbreviated application, a standardized $10,000 grant amount, and a robust structure of technical assistance to facilitate entry to Arts Endowment funding opportunities. This category is an entry point for organizations seeking Arts Endowment funding as first-time applicants  as well as previous Arts Endowment applicants who have not been recommended for funding in the last three years.

Challenge America supports arts projects in all artistic disciplines. Projects must extend the reach of the arts to populations that are underserved. Possible projects include, but are not limited to: arts programming, including commissioning or presentation of artists or artwork; marketing and promotional activities; and organizational planning. Projects may consist of one or more specific events or activities, and should not cover an entire season of programming. Applicants should carefully read the application Review Criteria and address those criteria in the application. All grants require a nonfederal cost share/match of at least 1 to 1 ($10,000 consisting of cash and/or in-kind contributions). For more information, please visit the website: https://www.arts.gov/grants/challenge-america. 

2022 ALA COVID Library Relief Fund

Deadline: April 21, 2022

The American Library Association (ALA) will make available $1.55M in emergency relief grants to more than 75 libraries in 2022 that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund invites public, school, academic, tribal, and correctional libraries across the United States and US Territories to apply for grants of $20,000.

These funds are intended to bolster library operations and services including broadening technology access, developing collections, providing digital instruction, staffing, and expanding outreach, as well as maintaining and amplifying existing service strategies or adding new ones to extend impact through the end of 2022. Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Staff time (only salaries and benefits. Bonuses are not eligible)
• Collections
• Technology
• Furnishings and Equipment
• Materials and Supplies
• Promotion
• Operation Expenses

Funds will support libraries' ability to provide their users with the information services and digital access they need to retain or secure socio-economic mobility during a time of shift and upheaval. Libraries serving low-income and rural communities, or communities that are predominately Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and People of Color, are especially encouraged to apply.

A webinar on March 24 will provide information on the fund, the application process, and respond to questions you might have. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is generously supported by Acton Family Giving as part of its pandemic responsive grantmaking. The guidelines provide links to application templates. Also, note that signatures are required from three representatives. 

For more information and a link to the online application, visit the website: https://www.ala.org/aboutala/ala-covid-library-relief-fund

AARP Community Challenge Grants

Deadline: March 22, 2022

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects to help communities become more livable for people of all ages. This year, applications will be accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older.

Grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. The average grant amount is $11,500. Eligible applicants include:

• 501(C)(3), 501(C)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits
• Government entities
• Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis

AARP will prioritize projects that support residents age 50 or over, are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcome areas:

• Create vibrant Public Places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities
• Deliver a range of Transportation and Mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements
• Support a range of Housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices
• Ensure a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion while improving the Built and Social Environment of a community
• Support communities’ efforts to Build Engagement and Leverage Funding available under new federal programs through laws including the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more
• Increase Civic Engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion
• Other community improvements, including Health Services, Community Development, and Coronavirus Pandemic Recovery

AARP Community Challenge grants can be used to support:

• Permanent physical improvements in the community
• Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change
• New, innovative programming or services

For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2022/2022-challenge.html

ALA John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Deadline: April 1, 2022

The John Cotton Dana Award, provided in conjunction with the H.W. Wilson Foundation,  Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and EBSCO, honors outstanding library public relations, whether a summer reading program, a year-long centennial celebration, fundraising for a new college library, an awareness campaign or an innovative partnership in the community. Eight $10,000 awards are usually granted each year by the H.W. Wilson Foundation, and the annual Awards Ceremony is hosted by EBSCO Information Services during the annual ALA conference.

JCD submissions include strategic library communication campaigns from all sizes and types of libraries. Submissions include rebranding efforts, promoting unique archives, awareness campaigns and community partnerships. Entries may be submitted by any library, Friends group, consulting agency or service provider, excluding libraries represented by the JCD Committee members.

 For more information and to apply visit this site: https://www.ebsco.com/about/scholarship-awards/john-cotton-dana

2022 EBSCO Solar Library Grants

 Deadline: April 29, 2022

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is accepting applications for grants that will fund solar installations at libraries around the world. $300,000 in grants are available to libraries looking to fund a solar project to reduce electricity costs. All academic, school and public libraries that are current EBSCO customers are eligible to apply. EBSCO will pay for the initial installation through the grant. The library, town, or college will own the system and will be responsible for all post-installation/ongoing maintenance of the solar array. 

For more information and to apply, visit the EBSCO Solar webpage at www.ebsco.com/solar for details such as the timeline, a link to the submission form, FAQs, and profiles of successful grantees. 

NNLM All of Us PLA Professional Development Award!

Deadline: March 4, 2022

The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) All of Us National Program is offering funding for up to twenty-five (25) public library workers to attend the Public Library Association (PLA) Conference taking place in Portland, Oregon March 23-25, 2022.

Up to $3,000 in funding is available to those attending the PLA Conference in-person or virtually. Funding will be provided directly to the individuals as a cost-reimbursement and can be used for: PLA Registration (virtual or in-person) and travel, lodging, and dining (per diem).

Professional development award recipients will have the opportunity to engage in a roundtable discussion on topics of health and wellness programs and online health engagement. Recipients will also have an opportunity to learn more about health information resources from the National Library of Medicine and the All of Us Research Program(link is external) (All of Us), a program of the National Institutes of Health. First-time applicants are encouraged to apply.

For more information and a link to the application, visit the website: https://allofus.nnlm.gov/pla-2022-professional-development-awards

Public Library COVID testing partnership

Deadline extended: Feb. 28, 2022
Hundreds of libraries are interested and Color wants to support even more!

Color Health is partnering with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries and seeking public libraries to expand community access to FREE COVID-19 testing! This could mean a self-service kit vending machine or space for a hosted testing site. Fill out the interest form to show interest in bringing free testing to YOUR community. This possible project will be part of the CDC’s Increasing Community Access To Testing (ICATT) program. You do not need to be a member of ARSL to participate in this opportunity.  If this contract is awarded Color will cover the cost of an annual ARSL Organizational Membership for all libraries selected for participation for the length of the library's involvement (up to 3yrs).

This government-funded program aims to establish community testing sites and provide testing to increase equity of access to COVID-19 testing in under-resourced communities. Color is one of the nation’s leading providers of clinical-grade COVID-19 testing and vaccination services, supporting more than 9,000 testing sites across the country and having completed more than 19 million COVID-19 tests since March of 2020. Their mission is to help everyone lead the healthiest life that science and medicine can offer. As part of the program, Color and its partners will provide COVID-19 testing free of charge to communities in need. This could range from simple vendor-supported testing kit vending machines all the way up to full-service testing sites with walk-in and even drive-up testing. Site location characteristics will determine our mix of testing types and approach, however, the goal is to require little to no effort from library staff while maximizing community access.

The Color team, including nationally recognized staffing partners, will provide all the equipment needed (testing kits, tents, computers, PPE, signage, etc) as well as any staff to register, assist in testing, and manage the sites. Library staff only need to be aware of and promote the location and service hours of testing. In the case of onsite vending machines, Color would ask the library to periodically stock the machines so the supply is available to patrons; however, the maintenance and support of the machines will all be provided by the vendor. Integration of the testing site operations into the Library's marketing and communications will be helpful to make the public aware of the testing opportunities and Color can assist in designing and creating materials to support this.

Libraries are the heart and soul of communities and that is even more true for rural and small libraries. In so many ways, libraries are lifelines to people across these communities. If you and your library are interested in joining this effort, you can learn more about the program and its timeline, and fill out a brief form expressing interest here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2TlitmmBMKtJbyyGJUg_wjplroEGtJlZImOj-O0h8qwDd5g/viewform

AILA/APALA Talk Story Literacy Grants

 Deadline: March 15, 2022

The American Indian Library Association and the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association are offering four $500 mini-grants, for the Talk Story: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture literacy program. This family literacy program reaches out to Asian/Pacific Islander American (APIA), and American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) children and their families. Talk Story celebrates and affirms Asian, Pacific Islander, and American Indian intersectionalities through books, oral traditions, art, and more to provide an interactive and enriching experience. 

Talk Story grant funding supports library and community organization opportunities to highlight APIA and AIAN communities through programs, services, and collection materials, so that children and their families can connect to rich cultural activities through Talk Story in their homes, libraries, and communities. Libraries and community organizations may customize grant projects to meet their service area’s family literacy needs. Selection is based upon:

• creativity and originality of the implementation of the Talk Story program
• accuracy in portrayal of APIA/AIAN cultures
• financial need
• involvement of the library, community, and community organizations as participants, leaders, and promoters of the program
• proposals that reflect the core values of family literacy, intergenerational programming and service, and cultural literacy, and representation of APIA and AIAN identities and communities
• projects that actively disrupt stereotypes, decenter colonialism, and hold space for APIA/AIAN agency 

Funds may be used to purchase library materials such as books, audiovisual materials, supplies for activities/crafts, programming costs such as hiring a storyteller, etc. 

For more information and to apply, visit the website: http://www.apalaweb.org/talkstorytogether/grant/ 

FINRA Foundation Library Grants

Deadline: March 1, 2022

The FINRA Foundation is accepting grant applications to help public and academic libraries meet the financial education needs of their communities and foster financial inclusion. The maximum grant amount is $50,000. The program also aims to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in access to personal finance education and information. 

The FINRA Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that give underserved Americans the knowledge, skills, and tools to make sound financial decisions throughout life. For more information including application details, visit: www.finrafoundation.org/people-we-help/library-grants-program

The Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced With Adversity

Deadline EXTENDED: March 1, 2022

The Lemony Snicket Prize consists of $10,000 along with an odd, symbolic object from Snicket’s private stash, and a certificate. It is given annually to a librarian who has faced adversity with integrity and dignity intact. It is administered by the American Library Association (ALA). "It is of the opinion of Lemony Snicket, author, reader, and alleged malcontent, that librarians have suffered enough...It is Mr. Snicket's hope, and the ALA's, that the Snicket Prize will remind readers everywhere of the joyous importance of librarians and the trouble that is all too frequently unleashed upon them." The award will be presented during the Awards Reception at the ALA Annual Conference.

For more information and to nominate a librarian, visit the website: http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/lemony-snicket

Mathical Book Prize - School Library Collection Development Grants

Deadline: March 17, 2022

Presented by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) in partnership with School Library Journal (SLJ), the grant program will award $700 to up to 25 Title I U.S. school libraries to purchase Mathical Book Prize-winning titles for their schools.

The Mathical Book Prize recognizes outstanding PreK–12 children’s and youth trade fiction and nonfiction that inspire a love of math. Winners are chosen by a committee of math and reading teachers, librarians, math research professors, early childhood experts, and others.

Schools applying for the grants will need to document their Title I status. To be eligible for the collection development awards, schools must employ a full- or part-time librarian who meets state requirements for school library media certification and is currently employed as a media specialist, teacher librarian, or equivalent position. SLJ will notify schools of awards on April 5 and publicly announce the winners on April 26.

Ready to apply?

For more information and the online application form, visit the website: https://www.slj.com/?page=mathical-book-prize-awards 

Believe in Reading Grants

Deadline: Ongoing (Grant applications are considered as they are received)

Believe in Reading is funded by The Steve and Loree Potash Family Foundation. "Illiteracy has become such a serious problem in our country that 44 million adults are now unable to read a simple story to their children."  Believe in Reading funds excellent programs dedicated to the teaching and encouragement of reading for all ages anywhere in the world. 

Believe in Reading’s grants are renewable for up to three years, but a first-year award does not guarantee any subsequent awards. At this time, the maximum grant amount is $10,000, new applicants are rarely funded for more than $3,000.

• Believe in Reading awards grants to existing and provably successful literacy programs.
• Believe in Reading awards grants only to organizations that have been designated as having tax-exempt status according to the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3), or its equivalent for educational institutions, including public libraries.
• Believe in Reading will consider funding programs that serve any age or aspect of supporting reading and literacy, including adult literacy or English as a second language projects.
• Believe in Reading targets successful literacy programs which serve populations that show out-of-the-ordinary needs, such as geographic areas with low reading scores and high poverty levels.

For the grant guidelines and application, visit the website. 

REFORMA Día Mini-Grants

Deadline: February 18, 2022

Link: https://www.reforma.org/dia-grants

REFORMA will award up to 5 mini-grants of $300 to support a Día program at libraries or community organizations to celebrate Latino culture. The programs have to celebrate Latino culture and take place in the month of April. Funding can be used for entertainment, marketing, books, or program supplies. 

El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. 

• Public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, and community organizations in the United States including Puerto Rico are eligible to apply.
• The library or the person submitting the application must be a current member of REFORMA.
• Funds may be used for hired authors/performers, and to support other related expenses such as books, publicity, materials, decorations, and refreshments.
• The program must celebrate Latino culture.
• The program must take place in the month of April 2022. Virtual or in-person

For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://www.reforma.org/dia-grants

AASL Grants and Awards for School Libraries

Deadlines: February 1, 2022
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) provides a number of awards and grants. The entire list is available at: https://www.ala.org/aasl/awards

Innovative Reading Grant ($2,500 to support a unique and innovative program for children which motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers)

ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant (up to $1,750 for AASL school library association leadership programs at the state, regional, or local levels)

Inspire Collection Development Grant (up to $5,000 for public middle or high schools to extend, update, and diversify book, online, subscription and/or software collections)

Inspire Special Event Grant (up to $2,000 for middle or high school libraries support for special short-term projects or events)

Research Grant (three $350 grants for excellence in manuscripts addressing a persistent and recurring challenge in the field of school librarianship)

Roald Dahl’s Miss Honey Social Justice Award ($2,000 to a librarian, up to $1,000 travel to attend the Awards Ceremony, and a $5,000 book donation by Penguin Random House for collaboration and partnerships between school librarians and teachers in teaching social justice)

The Snapdragon Book Foundation School Grants

Deadline: February 13, 2022

The Snapdragon Book Foundation was started by a school librarian from Houston, Texas who believes all children deserve access to books. Grants are given to U.S. school libraries serving children, PreK through 12 years old. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000. 

Grant funds may be used for: books that will be used repeatedly by school-aged children through classroom libraries, central library (or something similar); processing or cataloging fees from book vendors (for processing of the books ordered in conjunction with your Snapdragon project); reference materials for use by students; and for magazine or newspaper subscriptions.

For ideas of successfully funded grant projects, view the awarded grants on the website. For more information and the online application, visit: http://snapdragonbookfoundation.org.

Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program Grants

 Deadline: February 22, 2022

The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program is a federal program through the USDA that furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. Up to $350,000,000 is available for grants to states, local governments and Indian tribes. The maximum amount of grant funds that can be requested in an application is $25,000,000. To be eligible, at least 90% of households in the proposed funded service area (PFSA) must lack sufficient access to broadband service, as defined in the latest Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA).
For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://www.usda.gov/reconnect

Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grants

Deadlines: February 17, 2022

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and libraries that offer literacy programs in communities served by Dollar General in 44 states through the following grant programs:

• Adult Literacy Grants support organizations that provide direct services to adults in need of literacy assistance in one of the following areas: Adult Basic Education, GED or High School Equivalency Preparation, and/or English Language Acquisition. Maximum grant amount: $10,000.
• Family Literacy Grants support nonprofit organizations who support the whole family in literacy. Such as Adult Education Instruction, Children’s Education, Parent and Child Together Time (PACT); Maximum grant amount: $10,000.
• Summer Reading Grants help nonprofits and libraries with creating or expanding summer reading programs for Pre-K – 12th grade students, below grade level readers, or readers with learning disabilities. Maximum grant amount: $3,000. 

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and libraries offering literacy programs in communities served by Dollar General. For more information visit the website.

Kajeet 2022 Homework Gap Grant

Deadline: March 11, 2022

Kajeet's 2022 Homework Gap Grant is focused on continuing the great work being done in public libraries to close the digital divide for students in their communities, also referred to as the 'Homework Gap'. This funding opportunity will allow libraries to provide students in their community with safe, reliable access to online educational resources anytime, anywhere. Public Libraries, K-12 Schools and Districts, Tribal Schools, and Colleges and Universities in the United States and Canada are eligible to apply.

Each grant recipient will receive up to $25,000 worth of Kajeet Education Broadband solutions. This includes Kajeet unlimited data plans, access to their Sentinel platform, and the devices of their choice, including any combination of

• WiFi Hotspots
• School Bus WiFi
• LTE-embedded laptops and tablets
• Routers for homes and buildings

85 grants were awarded in 2021. For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://www.kajeet.net/digitalinclusion 

ALA Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant

Deadline: February 1, 2022

The American Library Association (ALA) Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant recognizes, promotes, and supports innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. School, public, academic, tribal, and special libraries are invited to apply by designing and outlining activities for a library-led community engagement project. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members – be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations – to address issues for the betterment of the community. Two grants of $2,000 will be awarded.

For the 2021–2022 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a community engagement project that focuses on a social justice issue of importance in their communities. Examples of potential topics include racial justice, climate justice, or addressing the digital divide. Libraries should work collaboratively with community members and at least one partner organization to develop a project that addresses a local issue and builds upon community assets.

Project activities to be covered by the grant may include developing community engagement programs and services; partnering with a community agency that builds the capacity of the community to address an important concern/issue; or creating a program or event that connects the library to a community-identified aspiration or concern.

View the full award guidelines and apply online at www.ala.org/LTCEG.

ALA and FINRA Foundation Inclusive Financial Literacy Programming Kit Grants

Deadline: January 3, 2022

The American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation (FINRA Foundation) collaborated with a team of librarian advisors to develop a book list that eschews stereotypes and embraces diversity in telling stories and sharing skills related to personal finance and financial capability for children. Up to 100 public and school libraries will be selected to receive an Inclusive Financial Literacy Programming Kit to help them provide diverse financial literacy titles and programming for children and young people in their communities. Each kit will contain:

• The Inclusive Financial Literacy book list, developed by a team of librarian advisors in collaboration with ALA and the FINRA Foundation, with corresponding best practices and programming ideas for public and school libraries
• One copy of Rainy Day Ready: Financial Literacy Programs and Tools edited by Melanie Welch and Patrick Hogan for the ALA Public Programs Office (ALA Editions, 2020), a ready-to-use guide for library staff with 16 model financial capability programs
• One print copy of five books from the book list for libraries to add to their circulating collection

To be considered for one of the 100 programming kits, you must complete an online application. The application will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. For more details, including the Google Form application, visit the site: https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/InclusiveFinLit 

Save America's Treasures Grant Programs

Deadline EXTENDED: Dec. 14, 2021 March 10, 2022

Save America's Treasures is a National Park Service grant program in collaboration with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. This grant program supports the preservation of nationally significant historic properties and collections and requires a dollar-for-dollar match. Grants are awarded to Federal, state, county, local, and tribal government entities, including independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations. Based on prior years, the NPS anticipates funding between 30 and 70 projects from the $25 million FY2021 funding.

Grants are available for preservation and/or conservation work on nationally significant intellectual and cultural artifacts and historic structures and sites. Intellectual and cultural artifacts include artifacts, collections, documents, sculpture, and works of art. Historic structures and sites include historic districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects. There are separate opportunities for preservation and collections projects.

• Historic Preservation Fund projects must involve structures designated individually as a National Historic Landmark or a contributing structure to a National Historic Landmark District, listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places for national significance (not state or local significance) or a contributing structure to a historic district that is listed in the National Register for its national significance. Preservation projects must range from $125,000 to $500,000.
• Conservation of collections projects must consist of a historic collection that is nationally significant. Projects should range from $25,000 to $500,000.

The Save America's Treasures program accepts online applications through http://www.grants.gov/, the federal online grantmaking portal. The application for collections projects is available through Grants.gov under funding opportunity number P22AS00049. The application for preservation projects is available under funding opportunity number P22AS00048.

NNLM All of Us Mini Programming Awards

Deadline: December 3, 2021

The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) All of Us Mini Programming Awards will provide funding to U.S. library and community-based organization programs focused on individual and communities’ health and health literacy, digital literacy, and/or public understanding of clinical research and understanding of and participation in citizen science activities. At least thirteen grants will be awarded up to $5,000 each. This award will support NNLM members to:

• Host and/or participate in All of Us Citizen Science Month activities, and promote SciStarter resources and projects
• Incorporate NLM or NNLM online activity modules and materials in their programming, including:
• Learn Internet Skills
• How to Judge a Health Claim
• Raise awareness of the All of Us Research Program and other trustworthy health information resources to inform personal health and wellness decisions

Possible projects include:

• Promote Citizen Science Month using downloadable, customizable educational resources including bookmarks, flyers, posters, social media images, and other existing assets.
• Incorporate NLM/NNLM online activity modules and materials into programming.
• Host digital literacy programming that incorporates health literacy concepts.
• Host, co-host, or promote a Citizen Science Month event in April using freely available planning and promotional resources and the Library & Community Guideto Citizen Science from SciStarter.
• Engage community members in citizen science projects found on SciStarter.org/NLM or other projects of interest to your community. Find thousands of projects to choose from by using the Project Finder on SciStarter and filter by location, audience, or topic.

To be eligible to apply, your organization must be an NNLM member. Not yet a member? Sign up for free. First-time NNLM award applicants and new NNLM members are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://allofus.nnlm.gov/mini-programming-awards

Library grant writing tips shared on twitter!

My awesome graduate-level San Jose State University Information School students are tweeting grant writing tips to share what they've learned with the library world in my grant writing course! I'll be retweeting them @librarygrants and you can follow #librarygrants! 

Have your own tips to share? Join along and let's help libraries win more grants.

Apply to Host a Virtual Misinformation Escape Room at Your Library

Deadline: November 10, 2021

As part of an IMLS-funded grant project, the University of Washington Information School (UW iSchool) has partnered with WebJunction to recruit 10 U.S. public libraries to host and evaluate an online escape room game, The Euphorigen Investigation. This game was developed in response to library staff who asked for ways to help patrons navigate misinformation beyond traditional information literacy programs. Euphorigen is aimed at teens (14+) and adults and has been tested by public libraries.

Participating libraries will receive $500 compensation and the opportunity for a fun way to gather community members online and share how to spot misinformation in social media. Host a new, virtual program while participating in an active research project to help better understand how games improve information literacy. Library participation will take place January - March 2022. Total time commitment is approximately 15 hours of library staff time and includes running 6 sessions of Euphorigen for library patrons. 

You may be asked to participate in a 30 minute follow-up interview to learn about your library and give you an opportunity to learn more about the project. For more information and the online interest form, visit this website: https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/host-escape-room.html

Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Grants

Deadline: January 18, 2022

The Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program seeks to advance new approaches and evidence-based understanding of the design and development of STEM learning opportunities for the public in informal environments; provide multiple pathways for broadening access to and engagement in STEM learning experiences; advance innovative research on and assessment of STEM learning in informal environments; and engage the public of all ages in learning STEM in informal environments.

These grants support six types of programs: (1) Pilots and Feasibility Studies, (2) Research in Service to Practice, (3) Innovations in Development, (4) Broad Implementation, (5) Literature Reviews, Syntheses, or Meta-Analyses, and (6) Conferences. Based on the criteria the programs can range from instructional programming on STEM-related topics to a more hands-on approach where participants use STEM-related technologies. The number of grants/funding to be provided include: 58-99 estimated number of awards ranging from $250,000 to $3,000,000

For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/advancing-informal-stem-learning-aisl

NEH Preservation Grants for Smaller Institutions

Deadline: January 13, 2022

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. The maximum award amount is $10,000 ($15,000 for projects related to “A More Perfect Union”).

Applicants must draw on the knowledge of consultants whose preservation skills and experience are related to the types of collections and the nature of the activities that are the focus of their projects. The program encourages applications from the following sorts of institutions with significant humanities collections:

• small and mid-sized institutions that have never received an NEH grant;
• community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Tribal Colleges and Universities; and
• Native American tribes and Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian organizations.

Additional information and grant application materials are available on their website.

Penguin Random House Grants for Small & Rural Libraries

Deadlines: Multiple rolling; Dec. 17, 2021, February 11, 2022, April 8, 2022, June 3, 2022

Through the support of Penguin Random House, the Association of Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) is has announced a new grant opportunity for small and rural libraries nationwide. If selected, grants will be awarded for up to $2,500. ARSL membership is NOT required to participate in this grant opportunity.

The program will award grants to libraries that demonstrate a true need. Grants are not limited to literacy and may be used for everything from library programming and books to resources like hotspots.

To apply and access a sample application, visit the website: https://www.arsl.org/prh-grant

NEH Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Grants

Deadline: Optional Draft due December 9, 2021; Application due January 13, 2022

The National Endowment for the Humanities Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections program helps 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, prolong the useful life of collections, and support institutional resilience: the ability to anticipate and respond to disasters resulting from natural or human activity.

This award is up to $50,000 for planning and up to $350,000 for implementation for institutions seeking to ensure the “preservation of books and manuscripts, photographs, sound recordings and moving images, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, art, and historical objects.” This grant is for preventative conservation, ways to manage humidity, moderate temperature and/or light pollutants to ensure the preservation of these special and culturally significant items.

For more information and to apply visit the website: https://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/sustaining-cultural-heritage-collections

Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries Grants for School Libraries

Deadline: December 31, 2021

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries provides funds to the nation’s neediest schools so to extend, update, and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning.

Public school applicants must be Title 1 eligible. Neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, etc. are all welcome to apply, if Title 1 eligible. Private and parochial schools are also welcome to apply if at least 50% of their student population qualify for financial aid. The grant award may be used only for books, periodicals, eBooks, reference materials, and magazine/newspaper subscriptions. More than one school in a district/diocese/CMO may apply for the grant, however, each school must submit its own application.

For complete program guidelines, an FAQ, and application instructions, visit the Laura Bush Foundation website.

ALSC/Candlewick Press "Light the Way" Grant

Deadline: December 15, 2021
The Association for Library Services to Children and Candlewick Press offer the "Light the Way: Outreach to the Underserved" grant, created to honor Newbery Medalist and Geisel Honoree author Kate DiCamillo and the themes represented in her books. The award consists of a $3,000 grant to assist a library in conducting exemplary outreach to underserved populations through a new and innovative program or an expansion of work already being done.

This grant is open to any project that seeks to engage an underserved population of children from birth up to the age of 14. Special population children may include (but are not limited to) those who have learning or physical differences, those who are speaking English as a second language, those who are in a non-traditional school environment, those who are in non-traditional family settings (such as teen parents, foster children, children in the juvenile justice system, and children in gay and lesbian families), and those who need accommodation service to meet their needs. The grant recognizes that underserved populations vary from community to community, and all programs that seek to specifically address concerns in this area are eligible for consideration.

More information and the grant application are available on the ALSC website.

Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries

Deadline: Feb. 13, 2022

The American Library Association (ALA) and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation are accepting applications for the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries, which recognize libraries for their role in the growth of graphic literature.

The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries awards three grants to school, public, academic or special libraries located in North America (Canada, United States, or Mexico):

• Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant provides support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service, program or initiative
• Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants will provide support to two libraries that would like to expand existing graphic novel services and programs

Each winning library will receive a grant award of $4,000 to support initiatives that align with the objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries. The grant award will consist of the following: 

• $2,000 grant to purchase graphic novels from the distributor-partner (current partner is Diamond Comics Distributors),
• $1,000 grant to host a graphic novel-themed event at a library or another community location, and
• $1,000 grant to attend the ALA Annual Conference to receive their grant money.  This grant can be used towards any of the following: conference registration, transportation, lodging and food.

In addition, from the book publishers and the Eisner Foundation, the winning libraries will also receive the following graphic novels, valued at approximately $3,000:

• The Will Eisner Library: A graphic novel collection of Will Eisner’s work and biographies about Will Eisner* (comprising approximately 75 books)
• A selection of the winning titles from the current year’s Will Eisner Awards* at Comic-Con International (comprising approximately 100 books).

The grant is administered by ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table. More information on the grant and the application process is available online.

NEH Public Humanities Projects Grants

Deadline: January 12, 2022 (Optional Draft due December 8, 2021)

The Public Humanities Projects program supports projects that bring the ideas of the humanities to life for general audiences through public programming. Projects must engage humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history. Awards support projects that are intended to reach broad and diverse public audiences in non-classroom settings in the United States. Projects should engage with ideas that are accessible to the general public and employ appealing interpretive formats.

Public Humanities Projects supports projects in three categories: Exhibitions, Historic Places, and Humanities Discussions; and at two funding levels Planning (maximum award amount: $75,000) and Implementation ($400,000). Proposed projects may include complementary components: for example, an exhibition might be accompanied by a website or mobile app.

Project topics may be international, national, regional, or local in focus, but locally focused projects should address topics that are of regional or national relevance by drawing connections to broad themes or historical questions. Projects that don’t address issues of concern to wider regional or national audiences might consider local sources of funding, such as their state humanities councils. Award amounts offered to successful applicants will reflect the project’s scope and the size of its expected audiences.

Small and mid-sized organizations are especially encouraged to apply. They welcome humanities projects tailored to particular groups, such as families, youth (including K-12 students in informal educational settings), underserved communities, and veterans. Number of grants: Average of 17 awards per grant cycle

For more information and application materials, visit the website: https://www.neh.gov/grants/public/public-humanities-projects

YALSA Grant Applications due Dec. 1st

Deadline: December 1 of the current year.

Each year YALSA offers more than $195,000 in grants and awards to members who work with or on behalf of teens. Grants include:

• Collection Development Grant This annual grant is funded by Baker & Taylor and awards $1,000 to two YALSA members who represent a public library, and who work directly with young adults ages 12 to 18.
• Great Books Giveaway Each year the YALSA office receives about 3,000 newly published children's, young adult and adult books, videos, and CDs for review. YALSA and the cooperating publishers annually offer one year's worth of review materials to up to 3 libraries in need.
• Frances Henne Research Grant This annual grant of $1,000 provides seed money for small scale projects which will encourage research that responds to the YALSA Research Agenda. 
• Innovation Award This annual $500 award is funded by Friends of YALSA (FOY) for a member who has brought a new teen project idea to life (big or small) through their library. The innovation should illustrate YALSA’s vision for teen services as outlined in: “The Future of Library Services for and with Teens: A Call to Action” and “Teen Services Competencies for Library Staff.” 
• *New* Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant This annual $1000 grant recognizes a librarian who has a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy (digital, media, visual, computer, data, financial, civic/ethical, news, information, multicultural, and/or cultural literacy). 
• MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens The Margaret A. Edwards Trust (MAE Award) is designed to honor a YALSA member who has developed an outstanding young adult reading or literature program. The award provides $500 to the winner and $500 to the winner's library or library agency. 
• YALSA Volunteer of the Year Awards acknowledge the contributions of YALSA members who have demonstrated outstanding service to the mission, goals and work of YALSA during a given service year. The recognition includes a one year membership to YALSA and a commemorative certificate for each category's winner(s). To nominate yourself, a group or an individual, please use this online form.
• YALSA Writing Award This award honors the best writing in YALSA’s blogs and journals. Prizes will be given for a winning article in each of the journals and blogs. 
• Scholarships, Stipends, and Fellowships YALSA offers various scholarships and stipends each year. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view. 

For more information, visit the YALSA grants website.

NEH/ALA American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries

Deadline: December 2, 2021

With funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the American Library Association (ALA) will distribute $2 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to help anchor libraries as strong humanities institutions as they emerge and rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of this emergency relief program is to assist libraries that have been adversely affected by the pandemic and require support to restore and sustain their core activities.

ALA will distribute up to 200 ARP grants of $10,000 each to libraries, with an emphasis on reaching libraries in historically underserved and/or rural communities. Libraries will be selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process. To qualify for this grant, the applying institution must be a library of any type (e.g., public, tribal, K-12, academic, special, prison) located in the United States or a U.S. territory. Note: Libraries that received funding through NEH’s American Rescue Plan: Humanities Organization program are not eligible to receive funding through this offering.

ARP: Humanities Grants for Libraries funding is designed to provide libraries with flexible funding to reaffirm and strengthen their roles, post-pandemic, as vibrant centers of humanities learning, conversation, and connection. Every day, libraries engage people in reading and discussing literature; host authors and speakers; lead important, and often challenging, conversations that stretch their patrons’ understanding of the world around them; and record and archive their communities’ stories through oral history collections and digitization projects. The general goals of this ARP funding opportunity include:

• To assist with creating or preserving jobs
• To support or maintain general operations
• To create or sustain humanities programs
• To implement new humanities activities or sustain existing activities

Below are several examples of eligible expenses; note that this list is not exhaustive:

• Salary and benefit support for library workers engaged in humanities activities
• Costs related to humanities programming (in-person or virtual), such as book clubs, guest lectures, exhibition development, oral history collection, digitization projects, or heritage festivals
• Purchases of books, e-books, or technology for use in humanities programming
• Marketing and advertising to support library humanities efforts

To apply for ARP: Humanities Grants for Libraries, or any grant from the ALA Public Programs Office, you must first create an account in their grant administration platform. For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/ARPhumanities