Here is this month’s roundup of grants available to libraries with deadlines in the next few months, or with rolling or ongoing deadlines. Check back each month for an updated list!
Snapdragon Book Foundation School Grants
Deadline: February 11, 2024
The Snapdragon Book Foundation School 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.
Dollar General Literacy Foundations Grants for Adult Literacy, Family Literacy, or Summer Reading Programs
Deadline: February 15, 2024
These grants support programs in Dollar General hometown communities that are helping individuals of all ages take their next steps toward a bright future through literacy and education. Organizations must be a 501c3 nonprofit, school or library and be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center. Adult Literacy Grants can support programs for Adult Basic Education, GED or high school equivalency preparation, or English language acquisition. Family Literacy Grants can support programs for adult education instruction, children’s education, or Parent and Child Together Time (PACT). Summer Reading Program Grants can support programs that target Pre-K – 12th grade students who are new readers, target below grade level readers, or assist readers with learning disabilities.
Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home Grants
Deadline: February 15, 2024
Beginning Fall 2024, grants of $1,200 are available to libraries and other public institutions for programs exploring Latino poetry and its ongoing relevance to American national life. Applications are open to all public, academic, and community college libraries, museums, and nonprofit community organizations. Grants may be used for: honoraria for local poets and scholars; travel expenses; actor/performer fees; publicity and promotion; refreshments; or other costs associated with programs.
Talk Story Grants: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture
Deadline: March 15, 2024
The American Indian Library Association and the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association are offering four $500 micro-grants. Talk Story: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture program is a family literacy initiative connects Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), and American Indigenous or Alaskan Native (AIAN) communities across generations by celebrating and exploring AANHPI and AIAN stories through books, oral traditions, and cultural arts to provide interactive and enriching experiences for all ages. Selection is based upon: creativity and originality, 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, 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.
Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Grants
DEADLINE: March 15, 2024
The foundation manages its grants in four cycles, one of which ends in mid-March. This helps the foundation carefully review similar requests to ensure maximum benefit. Grants generally are less than $10,000 with most between $2,000 and $5,000. Grants can support programs that promote: electrical safety, energy efficiency education, higher education institutions, K-12, literacy and reading programs, STEM education initiatives, teacher/professional educator development, workforce development/careers and employability, and youth development.
2024 EBSCO Solar Grants
Deadline: April 17, 2024
For the ninth consecutive year, 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 help awarded libraries offset their library expenses by incorporating solar power. 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 be responsible for all post-installation/ongoing maintenance of the solar array. There are several criteria that will be used to assess the viability of each submission, for instance, a site with a large roof surface and a newer roof with a lifespan consistent with a new solar system or space for a ground installation. A library that can support a solar array large enough to offset its electricity costs would be viewed favorably. An institution with an existing sustainability program, a plan to involve its patrons or students in the project, or high community involvement would also receive consideration.
The Pilcrow Foundations Children’s Book Project Program Grant
DEADLINE: Rolling
The Pilcrow Foundation, a national non-profit public charity, provides a 2-to-1 match to rural public libraries that receive a grant through its Children’s Book Project and contribute $200-$400 through a local sponsors for the purchase of up to $1,200 worth (at retail value) of new, quality, hardcover children’s books. We provide a list of over 500 quality hardcover children’s books from which Children’s Book Project grant recipients can select books best suited for their community. The book list includes award-winning and star-reviewed titles from educational and literary organizations.
The Lisa Libraries
DEADLINE: Ongoing
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 providing books to many children who may never have owned a book before. Since its founding in 1990, the Lisa Libraries has contributed more than 500,000 books to nonprofit organizations across the country. A donation of books from The Lisa Libraries is free. We do request that recipient organizations cover the shipping and handling costs, which is based on the destination and quantity of books.
Black Hills Corporation Community Giving
DEADLINE: Ongoing
Areas of focus are arts and culture, civic and community development, education, environment, human services, and youth development. Giving limited to Black Hills Energy service areas.
BNSF Railway Foundation Grants
DEADLINE: Ongoing
Supports organizations and programs that support and improve the general welfare and quality of life in the communities in which BNSF Railway Company operates. Generally, they will consider requests for funding that clearly fall within one or more of the following categories: civic services, cultural organizations, educational institutions, health and human service organizations, youth organizations, and a federally recognized tribal government.
T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program
DEADLINE: Ongoing
T-Mobile is investing $25M in 500 rural towns over 5 years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. These grants can be used to help upgrade tech at your local library, build new hiking trails, revitalize historic buildings, and more.