Dollar General Literacy Foundation Accepting Applications for Back to School Library Grants
Deadline: May 21, 2010

Back to School Grants provide funding to school libraries or media centers working to implement new or expand existing literacy programs, looking to purchase new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives, and/or looking to purchase materials or software for literacy programs. Applicants must be a K-12 public, private, or charter school. Applicant organizations must provide direct service within Dollar General's 35-state market area and must be located within twenty miles of a Dollar General store. The maximum grant award amount is $5,000 per school.

Visit the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Web site for guidelines and application.
- posted by Pam MacKellar @ 5:55 PM 0 comments

 
2010 Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting applications for the 2010 Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program. Federally-recognized tribes and Alaska Native villages and corporations may apply for grants to improve existing library services or implement new services, particularly as they relate to the goals of the Library Services and Technology Act.

In 2009, IMLS supported over two hundred tribes with the non-competitive Native American Library Services Basic Grants and an additional seventeen tribes with Enhancement Grants, for a total of $3.4 million. The tribes used their grants to develop a wide array of library-related projects, from providing new services to outlying reservation communities and promoting healthy lifestyles through new programs and materials, to creating pre-literacy programs for preschool children, their parents, and caregivers.

Grants will range in amounts of up to $150,000 each for a grant period of up to two years. Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages are eligible to apply for the Enhancement Grant only if they have applied for a Native American Library Services Basic Grant in the same fiscal year.
See this IMLS Web site for program guidelines and specific eligibility criteria.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 1:26 PM 0 comments

 
DEMCO/AILA Travel Grant to ALA Annual 2010 Available
Deadline: April 5, 2010.

Through the generosity of DEMCO, the American Indian Library Association (AILA) will provide financial assistance to four American Indian librarians currently working in a tribal library of any kind to attend the ALA Annual Conference in Washington DC.

The DEMCO/AILA 2010 Travel Grant Scholarship will provide $500.00 to support attendance at the conference from June 24 -- June 29, 2010. This will be used to help cover registration and travel expenses. Applicant must be a current AILA member in good standing and be working in a tribal library of any kind. A MLS is not required to apply for this scholarship.

For more information or to apply for the DEMCO/AILA Travel Grant Scholarship please visit the AILA website, http://www.ailanet.org/activities/lss.htm.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 1:13 PM 0 comments

 
ALA "Let's Talk About It" Grants
Deadline: March 31, 2010

The ALA Public Programs Office announced five new reading and discussion themes based on the popular Let’s Talk About It model and inspired by the National Endowment for the Humanities’ (NEH) Picturing America collection. The Let’s Talk About It: Picturing America series has been developed to support public libraries in their efforts to conduct high quality humanities programs that highlight the Picturing America collection, and engage audiences in dynamic, timely conversations about American art and history.

To encourage use of Let’s Talk About: Picturing America, and the Picturing America collection the ALA Public Programs Office and NEH are offering programming grants of $2,000 to 30 public libraries. All public libraries who received the Picturing America collection are eligible to apply. For more information, and to begin an online application, visit www.programminglibrarian.org/picturingamerica.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 1:01 PM 0 comments

 
The Purpose Prize
Deadline: March 5, 2010

The Purpose Prize, with provides five $100,000 and five $50,000 awards to people over age 60 who are inventing new ways to solve social problems. Perhaps you or someone else involved with your library has an project idea for how libraries can help solve a social problem.

Last year's winners included a telecommunications executive who brought broadband to a rural area, enabling local farmers to sell produce directly to restaurants; a psychiatrist who recruits mental health professionals to provide free, confidential counseling to veterans; and a woman who helps dropouts earn diplomas while training for jobs in various sectors.

To learn more, visit www.encore.org/prize. Nominations, including self-nominations are due by 5 p.m. Pacific time on March 5.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:54 AM 0 comments

 
UF Center for Latin American Studies’ Library Travel Research Grants
Deadline: March 2, 2010
The University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies will sponsor Library Travel Research Grants for summer 2010. Their purpose is to enable faculty researchers from other U.S. colleges and universities to use the extensive resources of the Latin American Collection in the University of Florida Libraries, thereby enhancing its value as a national resource. The grants are funded by a Title VI National Resource Center grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Six or more travel grants of up to $1250 each will be made to cover travel and lodging expenses. Grantees are expected to remain in Gainesville for at least one week and submit a brief (2-3 pp.) report on how their work at UF Libraries enriched their research project and offer suggestions for possible improvements of the Latin American Collection. Researchers’ work at the Latin American Collection may be undertaken at any time during the summer, May 15, 2010 - August 14, 2010. At least one grant will be made to a scholar from a Florida college or university. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

More information on the UF Latin American Collection and application detials are available online.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:19 PM 1 comments

 
NEH Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions
Deadline: May 18, 2010
- posted by Pam MacKellar @ 12:44 PM 0 comments

 
Pepsi Refresh Grant Project
Deadline: New Grant Cycle Every Month


In an effort to support those who generate innovative, optimistic ideas, the Pepsi Refresh Project (www.refresheverything.com), will award more than $20 million in 2010 to move communities forward.  The program launched on January 13 and exceeded expectations by receiving the monthly limit of 1,000 submissions in less than seven days with at least one from each state in the U.S.  So submit your grant project as close to the first of the month as possible.

Individuals and organizations can apply for grants to benefit a variety of projects and site visitors vote for the best ideas for funding.  Pepsi will fund projects that make a difference in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. Simply submit an idea and get your supporters to vote and vote and vote — the projects with the highest number of votes each month win the grant. Grants are accepted for $5,000, $25,000, $50,000 or $250,000.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 3:41 PM 0 comments

 
USDA Funding for Rural Libraries
United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Program - Designated Funding for Public Libraries

This American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding for Rural Libraries is a grant and/or loan opportunity for libraries serving communities of 20,000 and less. The Secretary of Agriculture has designated $100 million of USDA’s Community Facilities funds for public libraries. The stimulus funding will help give rural communities the opportunity to improve their library facilities, enhance educational opportunities, and improve economic conditions in America’s rural communities.

Loans and grants are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, and special-purpose districts, as well as non-profit corporations and tribal governments. Applicants must have the legal authority necessary for construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed facility. They must also be financially sound and able to organize and manage the facility effectively.

Funds may be used to construct, enlarge, or improve public libraries. This can include costs to acquire land needed for a facility, pay necessary professional fees, and purchase equipment required for a facility’s operation. Funds can be used to purchase shelving, furniture, computers, audio-visual equipment, distance learning equipment, and bookmobiles. A loan may be made in combination with other Community Facilities financial assistance such as a grant, applicant contributions, or loans and grants from other sources.

Applications are handled by USDA Rural Development field offices. Rural Development staff will be glad to discuss a community’s needs and the services available from USDA. Field staff can provide application materials and current program information, and assist in the preparation of an application. You may also visit their website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs.

Interested applicants and lenders may also contact the Housing and Community Programs National Office staff at the following address:
USDA Rural Development, Community Programs Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0700 Phone: (202) 720-1490; Fax: (202) 690-0471

There is also a fact sheet available at: http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/USDA.pdf
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 3:13 PM 0 comments

 
Online Library Grants Workshop

Pam and Stephanie are excited to be giving a month long online workshop in March through Simmons School of Library and Information Science Continuing Education Program. You can work at your own pace, whenever is convenient for you. The description is below. In addition, we will have online office hours every week so you can get personalized answers and we will also review a grant application for you. You can register online. We hope to "see" you there.

Winning Library Grants
March 1 - 31, 2010 - $250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)

In these difficult economic times, grant research and proposal writing skills are more important than ever for librarians. Grants may be the only way you can address changing needs in your community while your library budget is flat or shrinking. This online course will introduce you to the grant process from beginning to end with an emphasis on planning successful grant projects, funding sources for libraries, researching grant opportunities, preparing winning proposals, and tips, techniques and proven success stories from all types of libraries. Course modules are designed to follow our Grant Process Cycle model, which illustrates how grant work is ongoing and can be easily integrated into your jobs as librarians.

Instructors: Stephanie Gerding and Pam MacKellar are experienced on both sides of the grant process, having been grant reviewers, proposal writers, and grant project administrators. Stephanie and Pam co-authored the successful book, Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, and they write the Library Grants Blog, which lists grant announcements for libraries in one easy-to-access location. They have presented workshops on grants for libraries nationwide, and they are currently working on a new book, Winning Grants: A Multimedia How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, forthcoming in 2010.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:05 PM 0 comments

 
Dollar General Family and Adult Literacy Grants
Deadline: February 25, 2010.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation announces funds to support family literacy service providers and organizations that provide direct service to adults in need of literacy assistance. Eligibile organizations include public and private schools, public, school and college/university libraries and and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. You must be within 20 miles of a Dollar General store and the program must  include:
adult education instruction; children's education; parent and child together time (PACT); and
parenting classes that teach parents to be the primary teacher for their child.
Awards range up to $20,000. Application and more information available at: http://www.dgliteracy.com/grant-program/family-grants.aspx .
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:28 AM 0 comments

 
Second Round of Free NASA Space Shuttle Artifacts
NASA is offering a second round of free space artifacts to museums attended by the public and free libraries serving all residents of a community, district, state, or region. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is helping NASA reach out to eligible institutions that might be interested in acquiring one of the 2,500 free objects from the space shuttle, Hubble Space Telescope, or the Apollo, Mercury or Gemini programs.

Museums and libraries must first be determined as eligible by contacting a representative of their State Agency for Surplus Property in their state. Once they are determined to be eligible, institutions will receive a log-on and password so they can view available artifacts at the Web site http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm.
The artifacts are free, but eligible recipients must cover shipping and special handling fees. Shipping fees on smaller items will be relatively inexpensive, while larger items may involve extensive disassembly, preparation, shipping, and reassembly costs. NASA will work closely with potential recipients, on a case by case basis, to address any unique special handling costs.
Each artifact will be screened for 90 days. Once the screening period closes, and at completion of the allocation process, requestors will be notified about the status of their request. For the latest information about NASA shuttle transition and artifacts, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:10 AM 0 comments

 
Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Minigrant Program
Deadline: September 15, ongoing

• Ongoing pen-pal projects bringing disparate communities together,
• Multi-cultural portrait projects,
• Art projects culminating in art shows, murals, or quilts,
• Bookmaking,
• Creation and performance of puppet shows,
• Inter-generational journals.

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:05 AM 0 comments

 
ALA Diversity Research Grants
Deadline: April 30, 2010

The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity seeks proposals for its Diversity Research Grant program. Applicants must be current ALA members, and 2010 proposals must address one of three topics:

• Upward mobility of Library Leaders from Underrepresented Populations
• Information Services and Collections for Diverse Children and Young Adults
• Libraries and the Meaning of Multiculturalism

Since 2002, the office has sponsored the program to address critical gaps in the knowledge of diversity issues within library and information science. The Diversity Research Grant consists of a one-time $2,000 award for original research and a $500 travel grant to attend and present at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference. A jury of ALA members will evaluate proposals and is encouraged to award one proposal from each of this year’s topics for a total of three awards. Grant recipients will be announced ahead of the 2010 ALA Annual Conference and will be expected to compile the results of their research into a presentation for the 2011 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans.
A complete proposal must include the following: a cover letter, a one-page vita for each of the researchers involved, a concise abstract of the project and a description of the project detailing the justification and needs for the research project, research objectives, expected outcomes and benefits, budget plan and timeline. For a complete list of the criteria on which proposals will be evaluated, please visit the ALA website.
Submissions should be sent by mail to the ALA Office for Diversity, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Electronic submissions are preferred and should be submitted in a Word document attachment. Email electronic submissions to diversity@ala.org.

For more information, please email diversity@ala.org or call (800) 545-2433 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5295.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:57 AM 0 comments

 
The American Dream Starts @ Your Library Grants
Deadline: Feb. 28, 2010

The American Library Association (ALA) received a $750,000 two year grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to continue “The American Dream Starts @ your library”. This new round of funding will help 70 public libraries in Dollar General communities expand their literacy services for adult English language learners.

To be eligible, the applicant institution must be a public library or a public library with a bookmobile providing literacy services for adult English language learners, and must be within 20 miles of a Dollar General Store, distribution center, or corporate office. Each funded library will receive a onetime $5,000 grant. 

To learn more about the American Dream Starts @ your library, the mini grants and to apply online, please visit http://www.americandreamtoolkit.org/.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:19 AM 0 comments

 
Picturing America Programming Grants
Deadline: March 31, 2010

The ALA Public Programs Office and the National Endowment for the Humanities are pleased to announce a new grant opportunity for public libraries that received the NEH’s Picturing America collection of American artwork. Grants of $2,000 will be distributed to 30 public libraries to support public programs that highlight the Picturing America collection. Applications will be accepted at www.programminglibrarian.org/picturingamerica.

To be eligible, the proposed program or program series must feature humanities content and include use of the Picturing America collection. All programs must take place July 1, 2010 – January 31, 2011 and be open to public audiences. Some examples of eligible programs include: scholarly lectures, panel discussions, reading and discussion series, film viewing and discussion, poetry programs and exhibits. In June 2010, the National Endowment for the Humanities will announce the 30 libraries selected to receive the programming grants. Libraries can find programming ideas and the online application at http://www.programminglibrarian.org/picturingamerica.

Picturing America, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities, has provided masterpieces of American art to more than 50,000 classrooms and libraries nationwide. Through the program, students and citizens gain a deeper appreciation of our country’s history and character through the study and understanding of its art. For more information about Picturing America visit http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:16 AM 0 comments

 
Funding Resources for Libraries Handout
Today, Pam and Stephanie are presenting an online webinar, "Winning Grants for Libraries 101", as part of the Alliance Library System and Learning Times “The Art of Grant Writing and Fundraising” conference. We have a handout to share that lists resources for finding funding. It is available online:
http://www.pamelamackellar.com/Resources.doc

Our publisher is giving a 10% discount on our book, Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual and CD for Librarians. They've also extended this to you, our grant blog readers! The code is GLIB10, and can be used on the Neal-Schuman website during check-out.
For more information about the conference, visit: http://www.learningtimes.net/fundraisingconference.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 1:30 PM 0 comments

 
A discount code for our blog readers!
As part of an online class we are giving next week, our publisher is giving a 10% discount to attendees on our book, Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual and CD for Librarians. They've also extended this to you, our grant blog readers! The code is GLIB10, and can be used on the Neal-Schuman web site during check-out.

Stephanie and Pam's online webinar, "Winning Grants for Libraries 101", is part of an online conference next Thursday. Hope to "see" you there!

The Art of Grant Writing and Fundraising
When: November 19, 2009

In these tough economic times, libraries are relying more and more on fundraising and grant writing. Alliance Library System and Learning Times are co-sponsoring “The Art of Grant Writing and Fundraising” as an online conference to help libraries meet the challenge of finding funding in these tough times. This exciting program will offer a number of programs for beginners through intermediate and advanced levels of all aspects of grant writing and fundraising.

The cost of the one day online event is $69.00. For a group, the price is $99.00. If this registration fee is a hardship, please email Alliance Library System Director of Innovation Lori Bell, lbell @ alliancelibrarysystem, for a discount coupon of $20 off registration price.

Library students can attend for free.

More information, including registration, is available at: http://www.learningtimes.net/fundraisingconference.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:54 AM 0 comments

 
Winning Library Grants Video Contest!
Stephanie and Pam are pleased to announce we are working on a new grants book! Winning Grants: A Multimedia How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians will be published by Neal-Schuman next year. And YOU could be showcased in it. Please spread the word about our new contest!

See Your Grant Success Story in a Neal-Schuman Book by Stephanie Gerding and Pam MacKellar. 16 library grant success stories were highlighted in our last Neal-Schuman book, Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual. Readers would love to learn about a successful grant your library has received. Tell us of your accomplishments, both planned and unexpected.

VIDEO CONTEST Just submit a 5 minute video about your library grant success story by Oct. 30, 2009 for your chance to be spotlighted in our new book and DVD. Your video could include a tour of a grant project, interviews with grant team members or people who benefited from the grant, tips about grant writing or any part of the grant process. Please limit to 5 minutes or less, and be engaging! More details are available online and you can submit at YouTube in the Library Grants Group.

Thank you!
Stephanie Gerding & Pam MacKellar
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:17 AM 0 comments

 
NEA Learning & Leadership Grants and Student Achievement Grants
Deadlines: June 1, October 15, and February 1.
The National Endowment for the Arts Foundation has introduced a new online grant application system for their $2,000 and $5,000 Learning & Leadership Grants and Student Achievement Grants that makes the grant application process easier. For a guided tour and detailed instruction of the new system, the Foundation has posted a video featuring grants manager Jesse Graytock. Applicants can view the video or link directly to the applications from the NEA Foundation's web site at www.neafoundation.org/grants.

The Learning & Leadership Grants support public school teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education for one of the following two purposes: 1) Grants to individuals fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research; 2) Grants to groups fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment.

The Student Achievement Grants aim to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area(s). The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:17 AM 0 comments

 
Build-A-Bear Workshop Giving Programs Accepting Grant Applications for 2009
Deadline: Ongoing

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is accepting grant applications as part of its annual giving program. In the company's twelve-year history it has donated over $20 million to organizations that support families, children, animals, and the environment, including the donation of thousands of stuffed animals to comfort children in need. The Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation supports charities in the United States and Canada through grant programs including Literacy and Education Grants which provide support for children in literacy and education programs such as summer reading programs, early childhood education programs, and literacy programs for children with special needs. Grant request deadlines are at the end of February, May, August, and November. For more information visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop website.
- posted by Pam MacKellar @ 2:40 PM 0 comments

 
Jenny Jones Community Grant Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Talk show host and philanthropist Jenny Jones has announced that she will donate an additional $1 million to continue her Jenny's Heroes ( http://www.jennysheroes.com/ ) community grantprogram. The Jenny's Heroes program awards grants to individuals who submit the best ideas for tangible, lasting community projects. Jenny's Heroes provides grants of up to $25,000 each to fund projects that promise long-term community benefits. Through the fifty grant recipients so far, funds have been used to provide items and services such as library books, school computers, and coats for children in domestic violence shelters. The program's focus is primarily on smaller communities where fundraising can be difficult. For more information on Jenny's Heroes and grant guidelines, visit the program's Web site. RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15016232/jennysheroes
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 12:42 PM 0 comments

 
Beyond Words: the Dollar General School Library Relief Fund

Deadline: Ongoing, applications reviewed monthly, through 2010

Dollar General, in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA), the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the National Education Association (NEA), is sponsoring a school library disaster relief fund for public school libraries in the states served by Dollar General. Grants will be awarded to public school libraries that have incurred substantial damage or hardship due to a natural disaster (tornado, earthquake, hurricane, flood, avalanche, mudslide), fire or an act recognized by the federal government as terrorism. Grants for $5,000 to $15,000 are to replace or supplement books, media and/or library equipment in the school library setting. The impact can be through direct loss or through an increase in enrollment due to displaced/evacuated students. More information and the grant application are available through the AASL website.

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:13 AM 0 comments

 
Libri Foundation Grants for Children's Books
Deadlines: Annually, January 15th, April 15th, and August 15th.

The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries in the United States through its BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program. The Foundation awards grants three times a year.

The librarian of each library participating in the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program selects the books her library will receive from a booklist provided by the Foundation. The 700-plus fiction and nonfiction titles on the booklist have been judged as outstanding or highly recommended by recognized authorities in the library and education fields and have been published in the last 3 years or are classics. The application guidelines and forms contain details on eligibility for grants and the procedures for applying for one.The Foundation will match any amount of money raised by your local sponsors from $50 to $350 on a 2-to-1 ratio. Thus, your library could receive up to $1,050 worth of new children's books (about 70 books). Local sponsors have five months (or longer, if necessary) after their library has been selected as a participant in the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program to raise the matching funds.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:30 AM 0 comments

 
Seeds for Education Grant
Deadline: Nov. 15

Are you planning a library garden? Wild Ones is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the use of natural landscaping with native plant species as an ecologically better alternative to traditional landscaping practices. Eligible applicants include schools, nature centers and other non-profit and not-for-profit places of learning including houses of worship. Project goals should focus on the enhancement and development of an appreciation for nature using native plants. Projects must emphasize involvement of students and volunteers and increase the educational value of the site. Creativity in design is encouraged, but must show complete and thoughtful planning. The use of and teaching about native plants and the native plant community is mandatory, and they must be appropriate to the local ecoregion and the site conditions (soil, water, sunlight).
Examples of appropriate projects are:

• The design, establishment and maintenance of a native plant community such as prairie, woodland, wetland etc. in an educational setting such as an outdoor classroom.
• Developing and maintaining an interpretive trail landscaped with native plant communities.
• Developing a wetland area to study the effect of native vegetation on water quality improvement.
• Group student-teacher research projects aimed at documenting the presence, behaviors, needs and contributions of various forms of wildlife and the impact of native plant species.

Cash awards range from $100 to $500 for the purchase of native plants and seed. More information and the application are available on the Seeds for Education Web Site.

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:22 AM 0 comments

 
Usborne Literacy for a Lifetime Matching Grants
Deadline: Ongoing

This is a matching grant program for schools and organizations that support literacy, including churches, to buy Usborne books. If your school or organization receives a grant or donation and uses it to purchase Usborne Books, EDC (Educational Development Corporation) will match it by 50% in additional books.

For example, a $1,000 grant is matched with an additional $500 and the organization receives $1,500 in educational Usborne Books for their use. Literacy for a Lifetime can be used as often as grants or donations become available, and there is no cap on the amount matched. The receiving school or organization can select the books, from over 1,400 titles. The books are shipped free (within the US).

For more information, visit www.literacyforalifetime.com. To view titles, visit www.readingstars.us.

If you would like a free informational packet, e-mail Krissi Newtown krissi @ readingstars.us, Certified Educational Consultant.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:59 AM 0 comments

 
Pathways Within: Roads to Reading Initiative
Pathways Within: Roads to Reading Initiative
Deadlines: March 15th & October 15th

Pathways Within, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 organization that was established in 1993 to assist communities that are underserved. The Road to Reading Initiative's mission is to provide quality reading and educational materials to underserved small and rural communities (with a population of fewer than 50,000) in the United States.

Eligible programs for book donations include: after-school or community literacy programs, day-care centers programs, library reading programs, storytime programs, and reading centers. They will make donations to library collections available for students and for direct use. Most titles are in English with a limited number of books in Spanish (titles are listed on the website). On average 100 to 200 books are awarded per grantee.

Visit the website for application information or email Pathways Within, Inc. at biannual@pwirtr.org.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:46 AM 0 comments

 
Pay It Forward Foundation Mini-Grants
Deadlines: January 15, April 15 and October 15 of each year

The Pay It Forward Foundation Mini-Grant program was established to inspire students to realize that they can change the world. Grants fund service-oriented projects that are identified by youth as activities they would like to perform to benefit their school, neighborhood, or greater community.

Projects must contain a “pay it forward” focus – that is, they must be based on the concept of one person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, with the results growing exponentially – to be considered in the grant making process.

Schools, churches, and community youth groups may apply for mini-grants of up to $500. Because funding is limited, projects requesting smaller amounts will be given priority. Additional information and the application are available on the foundation website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:43 PM 0 comments

 
Kresge Foundation Capital Challenge Grants
Deadline: Ongoing

The Kresge Foundation's mission is to strengthen organizations that advance the well-being of humanity. Eligible and past applicants include libraries. The Capital Challenge Grant Program is designed to support an organization’s immediate capital needs and to build its capacity to raise private support for the future. An organization applies to the Foundation after it has recruited campaign volunteers, secured leadership gifts, and developed firm project costs. A Kresge grant is awarded on a challenge basis. It is an “all or nothing” challenge and is usually one-third to one-fifth of the amount an organization has to raise to complete its campaign goal. For further information, go to: http://www.kresge.org/content/displaycontent.aspx?CID=24
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:18 AM 1 comments

 
NLM Individual Fellowship for Informationist Training
Deadline: Multiple Receipt Dates

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) awards informationist fellowships to those wish to become informationists. Informationists are information specialists who work in domain settings of healthcare, public health and biomedical research as peers, in teams with scientists and health professionals. These fellowships are intended for health sciences librarians, scientists, health professionals and others who wish to broaden their existing scientific background by acquiring the additional disciplinary knowledge and experience to function as an informationist. Priority fields include but are not limited to library and information sciences, health professions, biomedical and behavioral sciences, public health, engineering and computer science.

For additional information visit the link to the full announcement.
- posted by Pam MacKellar @ 6:39 AM 0 comments

 
Captain Planet Foundation Grants
Deadlines: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31

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 $250 - $2,500. 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. The application process (a short online form) and more details are on the website.

ALL PROJECTS MUST:
Promote understanding of environmental issues
Focus on hands-on involvement
Involve children and young adults ages 6-18
Promote interaction and cooperation within the group
Help young people develop planning and problem solving skills
Include adult supervision
Commit to follow-up communication with the Foundation
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:45 AM 0 comments

 
The Reviews are In!
Stephanie and Pam's book, Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual, was published in 2006. Order it from the Neal-Schuman website or order from Amazon.com.

Library Journal, Starred Review:
“Grants for Libraries is like the Boy Scouts’ field manual when it comes to grant-writing and development: it is an essential, authoritative, step-by-step guidebook to securing the funding your library needs….this essential “how-to” manual makes a complex topic comprehensible. Grab it and go “granting”!”

Booklist:
"This book should be at the side of every grant-writing librarian."

American Libraries:
"Although having a genie to grant all your funding requests might be handy, a better bet is to follow the advice of Stephanie K Gerding and Pamela H MacKellar."

Midwest Book Review:
"A "must-have" resource especially for library professionals."

Teacher Librarian:
"This book is an appropriate purchase not just for the individual teacher-librarian who needs a short course in grant writing but also for a district director who intends to provide professional development on this topic. This book can also be used as a text in a library school seminar or in a continuing education workshop. It is certainly a text worth considering. Bottom line: Recommended."
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:11 PM 0 comments

 
RGK Foundation Grant Program
Deadline: Ongoing

RGK Foundation awards grants in the broad areas of Education, Community, and Medicine/Health.
The Foundation's primary interests within Education include formal K-12 education (particularly mathematics, science and reading), literacy, and higher education. Human service programs of particular interest to the Foundation include children and family services, early childhood development, and parenting education. The Foundation's interests within Health/Medicine are programs that promote the health and well-being of children and families, programs that promote access to health services, and, on a more limited basis, medical research programs. Youth development programs supported by the Foundation typically include after-school educational enrichment programs that supplement and enhance formal education systems to increase the chances for successful outcomes in school and life.

All applicants must complete an electronic Letter of Inquiry from the Web site as the first step.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:08 AM 0 comments

 
Brinker International Foundation Grants
Deadline: Ongoing

Brinker International (includes Chili’s Grill & Bar, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Maggiano’s Little Italy) gives to the communities where its restaurants are located. If there is a Brinker International restaurant in your community, you may be eligible to apply for funding. The company's Web site states that they give over $3 million a year to a diverse variety of local fund-raising activities. The objective of the Brinker International Foundation is to support programs and projects that are affiliated with Children/Family, Arts, Civic, and University related educational programs.

The exact amount requested and the specific purpose for the donation should be briefly summarized on 1-2 typewritten pages. Visit Brinker International's Web site for more information about proposal guidelines and funding restrictions.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:59 AM 0 comments

 
The Dreyer's Foundation Small Grants and Product Donations
Deadline: Ongoing

The Dreyer's Foundation makes small grants ($3,000 or less) and donates ice cream products and gift certificates/auction items to nonprofit organizations for events. Proposals are reviewed on a monthly basis. A one-page letter with brief information is all that is required. To view specifics and contact information, visit the Dreyer's Foundation website at http://www.dreyersinc.com/dreyersfoundation/small_grants.asp.
Source: grantsTX mailing list
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:52 AM 0 comments

 
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
Deadline: July 15 (every year)

Applications must be requested from April 1 through July 1. Proposals are accepted from nonprofit organizations with projects that support the foundation’s purpose of contributing to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of knowledge about a) new and innovative organizations and their programs designed to benefit youth or b) by well-established organizations, to the end that such information can be more adequately used by society. Grants range from $1,500 to $70,000, with an average grant amount of $32,000. Grants must have the potential of helping American children in a large geographic area. More information, including contact address for proposal is included on the The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:30 AM 0 comments

 
Paul Allen Family Foundation Grants
The mission of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation is to transform individual lives and strengthen communities by fostering innovation, creating knowledge, and promoting social progress. The Community Development and Social Change Program has previously funded new library construction and renovation. To be eligible, you must be serving populations of the Pacific Northwest, which includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. More details including how to apply are on the Foundation's website (http://www.pgafoundations.com).
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:49 AM 0 comments

 
Prudential Foundation Ready to Learn Program
Deadeline: Ongoing

Ready to Learn funds initiatives that strengthen public education at the elementary school level. Emphasis is put on systemic school reform; improving teacher and educational leadership skills; increasing parental involvement; arts education; early childhood care and education; and bolstering literacy in the early years.

The Foundation has geographic priorities, including programs that serve Newark and surrounding New Jersey urban centers, and the cities of Atlanta, Chicago, Hartford, Houston, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Phoenix. Application and more information available on the website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:40 PM 0 comments

 
Laura Bush Foundation Gulf Coast School Library Recovery Initiative
Deadline: Ongoing

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries recognizes the critical and special needs of many schools in the areas devastated by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma along the Gulf Coast of the US this past year. A special fund has been established to refurbish and re-establish the libraries for schools in the areas of these natural disasters. The goal of the fund is to help school libraries become fully functional and to offer the needed print resources to the students of the schools that were destroyed or severely damaged.

A questionnaire/application for funds is available through www.laurabushfoundation.org. Applicant schools should provide the required information, as outlined in the questionnaire, in a 3-5 page narrative. A first round of two to four grants will be made by late April, and further grants are anticipated to be made as funds become available.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 11:19 AM 0 comments

 
W. K. Kellogg Foundation Grants
Deadline: Ongoing

Grants are made in the four areas of: Health, Food Systems and Rural Development, Youth and Education, and Philanthropy and Volunteerism. Online applications are encouraged. Most Kellogg Foundation grants are awarded in: the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and seven southern African countries – Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Guidelines, programming interests and more details are available on the Kellogg Foundation website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:05 PM 0 comments

 
Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation Research Library Program Grants

Deadline: Ongoing

The Research Library Program concentrates primarily in areas of its founders’ interests and the Foundation’s other program areas (humanities scholarship, performing arts, and Venetian history and culture). The objective of the program is to improve the ability of research libraries to serve the needs of humanities scholarship and the performing arts, and to help make their resources more widely accessible to scholars and the public. The foundation is interested in library grants that promote cooperative cataloging projects, with an emphasis on access to archival, manuscript, and other unique sources; some elements of interpretation and exhibition; scholarly library publications; bibliographical and publishing projects of interest to research libraries; and preservation / conservation work and research. A limited number of small grants are available for projects related to the history of the book, book culture, printing history, and related programs. Grants for conferences designed to address these issues in collaborative ways and programs formulated to enhance or leverage similar activity by other institutions, consortia, or funding agencies will also be considered.

Application requires a two page letter of inquiry to the Foundation. For more information, visit the foundation website.

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 1:52 PM 0 comments

 
First Book National Book Bank Offers Free Books for Children
Deadline: Ongoing

The First Book National Book Bank (FBNBB) provides new books to children from low-income families across the country using generous donations from children's book publishers, service donors, and volunteers. Eligible organizations include non profit organizations with at least 80% of their children coming from low-income families and Title 1 schools. The books must become the personal property of the children. Receiving books through the First Book National Book Bank (FBNBB) is a two-step process. First, you must register at the FBNBB website. After you register, you will receive notifications via e-mail or fax alerting you when book distribution applications are available. Filling out the application is the second step. Through the FBNBB, your program may receive up to three books per child once a calendar year. View the FBNBB’s Frequently Asked Questions.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:12 PM 0 comments

 
The Lisa Libraries Book Donation Program
Deadline: Ongoing

The Lisa Libraries donates new children's books and helps establish small libraries for organizations that work with kids in poor and under-served areas. Founded in 1990, the Lisa Libraries was started by author Ann M. Martin and friends to honor and memorialize children's book editor Lisa Novak. Some of the libraries established have been at day-care centers, prison visiting areas for children of incarcerated parents, and after-school programs. The Lisa Libraries supplements under-filled shelves as well as provides books to many children who may never have owned a book before. In 2004, the Lisa Libraries contributed over 15,000 books to nonprofit organizations across the country. Visit the website for easy application criteria.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:53 AM 0 comments

 
International Paper Company Foundation Grants
Deadline: Varies according to location

International Paper Company is the world's largest paper and forest products company. These grants support programs in the areas of education, employee involvement, and community development. The Foundation's primary focus is education - specifically environmental, economic and literacy programs for young children. Education grants focus on career development for minorities, enviromental education, and literacy. Employee-involvement grants support nonprofit organizations at which International Paper Company employees volunteer. Community-development grants provide seed money for new projects that benefit communities where the company has operations. Additional information and the application are available on the foundation's website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 2:04 PM 0 comments

 
Verizon Foundation Grants
Deadline: Continuous from from Jan. 1 - Nov. 30

Verizon Foundation provides support to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations within the US. The foundation supports the following funding priorities: literacy, domestic violence prevention, and technology. Verizon strives to transform the way private, public, and non-profit sectors work together in building collaborative partnerships.

Grant-making is not just in dollar amounts. The Verizon Foundation and partners also offer volunteers, Internet training, and Web developers.

Verizon Foundation only accepts proposals through an electronic Apply Online process. For eligiblity requirements, guidelines and a FAQ, visit the Foundation's website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 8:36 AM 0 comments

 
Bank of the West Charitable Contributions Program
Deadline: Ongoing
The mission of the Bank's Charitable Contributions Program is to support nonprofit organizations that contribute to educational, civic, cultural, health and human care needs, and is committed to improving the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents within the communities in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Literacy and library programs for youth and adults are one of their supported Charitable Giving Categories.

See website for specific information and criteria required in a request.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 3:26 PM 0 comments

 
Barnes & Noble
Deadline: Ongoing.

Barnes & Noble considers requests for local and regional support from non-profit organizations in the communities they serve. Funding is focused on support of organizations that focus on literacy, the arts or education (K - 12). Barnes & Noble assess the merit of each request on an individual basis. For more information, visit the website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:32 PM 0 comments

 
Rosie O'Donnell's For All Kids Foundation
Deadline: Ongoing

Rosie O'Donnell established her For All Kids Foundation, Inc. to provide financial support to nonprofit programs serving economically disadvantaged and at-risk children and their families. The foundation helps thousands of children across the country through grant awards to child care, after-school, education and other essential programs. The foundation's main focus is center-based child care, and first priority is given to programs serving low-income, urban areas, where many families struggle to find quality child care and early childhood education programs. Grants are only awarded to organizations with IRS §501(c)(3) classification as described in §509(a). Organizations applying for funds should submit a letter of intent of no more than three typewritten pages. Rosie's For All Kids Foundation encourages organizations to focus on a specific program and/or project when requesting assistance. For more information, visit the website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:07 AM 0 comments

 
Community Catalyst Grants
Deadline: Ongoing

The Bank of America Foundation has three primary areas of giving: providing educational opportunities, building inclusive communities and promoting cultural outreach. It funds efforts that support issues such as: literacy, school readiness, economic education, teacher preparation, need-based and merit scholarships, work readiness, economic revitalization efforts, environmental awareness and urban planning, disaster relief, diversity and multicultural awareness, and arts education. For more information, visit the website.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 6:18 AM 0 comments

 
Carnegie Corporation of New York Grants
Deadline: Ongoing.

The Carnegie Corporation dedicates itself to the "advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding." They support efforts to improve teaching and learning that have the potential to make a lasting and long-term contribution to the field of education. Their current educational work in education is focused on three major areas: 1) advancing literacy: reading to learn, 2) urban school reform, and 3) teacher education reform. A theme that unites these subprograms is the overall goal of increasing access to quality education and a rich educational experience for all students that will prepare them for success in today's knowledge-based economy. Grants are usually awarded in the range of $750 - $250,000. Visit the website for more information.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 7:50 AM

 
ShopKo Foundation Grants
Quarterly Deadlines: the 1st week of Feb., May, Aug. or Nov.

The ShopKo Foundation supports local grants for organizations are working to make their community a better place to live. Grants should focus on education, health and wellness. To apply, your community must have a ShopKo store.

Visit the Foundation website for application details.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 1:18 PM

 
Starbucks Foundation Offers Funding for Youth Literacy Programs
Deadline: September 1 and March 1, annually (Letters of Inquiry)

Through its Giving Voice program, the Starbucks Foundation, a philanthropic vehicle of the Starbucks Coffee Company, will fund programs for youth, ages 6-18, that integrate literacy with personal and civic action in the communities where they live.

The Starbucks Foundation invites Letters of Inquiry from qualifying organizations that work with underserved youth in one of two areas: 1) Arts & Literacy -- programs that innovatively address literacy and learning for the 21st century, provide high standards of excellence in mastering basic skills, and promote youth voices through a variety of venues; and 2) Environmental Literacy -- programs that offer place-based approaches to addressing environmental literacy and empower youth to be heroes for a sustainable environment in their own communities.

The foundation supports registered, nonprofit, tax-exempt501(c)(3) charitable organizations in the United States, as well as Registered Charities in Canada, that deliver services to youth and address at least one of the program's action areas.

Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Visit the Starbucks Foundation Web site for program information, application procedures, and eligibility
questions.
- posted by Pam MacKellar @ 10:35 AM

 
Free Art Books from the DUC Program
Deadline: Ongoing, no application necessary

Since 1990, Art Resources Transfer has distributed books, videos and interactive materials on art and cultural issues at no cost to public, school and alternative libraries in rural and inner-city areas through the Distribution to Underserved Communities (DUC) Library Program. Even shipping costs are covered! Their goal is to make information about contemporary art and cultural issues available to people of all income levels in all geographic locations through their local libraries. Available materials and order form available at the DUC website. For more information, call Cesar Sevilla,(212) 255-2919.
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 9:44 AM

 
McKenzie Foundation Grants
Deadline: Ongoing

The purpose of The McKenzie Foundation is to encourage and support non-profit programs primarily in the areas of education, health, human services, and cultural and environmental concerns. Faced with the task of translating these broad-reaching goals into a more focused set of grant guidelines, the Board has selected four initiatives that will shape its grant making for the next few years: early childhood development, education, the environment, and arts and culture. The Foundation has chosen these four initiatives for its initial years of grant making because of its fundamental belief that assisting families is one of the most effective and lasting ways to strengthen communities. The McKenzie Foundation supports opportunities and experiences that enrich learning for all ages. Special consideration will be given to charitable efforts that inspire excellence and encourage personal development. Nearly $500,000 was awarded in 2002, ranging in size from $600 - $60,000.
http://www.mckenziefoundation.us/index.php
- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 10:35 AM

 
NN/LM grants for health information programs

Deadlines vary.

The National Library of Medicine, through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine funds a variety of outreach projects, especially those that engage multiple community partnerships in addressing the health information needs of the public. These projects typically involve multi type library and community partnership with the goal of improving access to health information through a variety of mechanisms.

The NN/LM consists of eight regions and each region, from time to time, solicits proposals for projects they would like to fund. The NN/LM is especially interested in funding projects that target rural, inner city, minority and underserved populations, and also senior citizens and low literacy populations. They type of awards and the amount of funds vary from region to region. The NN/LM funding web site contains information on such announcements. Many of these grants go unfunded due to lack of applications!!

- posted by Stephanie Gerding @ 1:56 PM