Grants

About This Page

This page includes links to major grant resources, guides and books on achieving grant writing success.

Also see:

Grants Resources

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – Global Libraries: What We Do Strategy Overview

The Global Libraries program seeks to ensure that all people have access to information technology in public libraries.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – How We Work: Grant Opportunities

The page shows requests for letters of inquiry and proposals. There are also letters of inquiry for the United States Program and Global Health.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – How We Work: Grant Seeking Resources

The grants do not go to individuals, yet there are organizations the individual can get a grant from. The page shows resources for organizations.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services – Grants to State Library Administrative Agencies

The page highlights how each grant has a five year plan and each state proposes to spend the money. Revisions to this plan are due April 2nd each year.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services – Grant Applicants

The site highlights the available grants and includes the grant names, project types, and various institutions.

National Endowment for the Humanities – Grant Opportunities, Application Deadlines, and Resources for Managing Your Grant

The page shows how to search for a grant by matching the project to the grant program. 

OCLC – Research grants awarded

The page shows the research grants awarded from 1985 – 2013. The grants are awarded to promote research that will integrate technological approaches and contribute to the information environment.

OCLC – From Awareness to Funding: A Study of library support in America

The Bill & Melinda Gates foundation awarded a grant to OCLC with the goal of evaluating public library perceptions and determining how public funding may be increased. The report results contain various findings about library visitation. The perception of the library and the librarians are important factors in determining whether taxes will be raised for funding. The report also proposes that targeting messages to particular parts of the population is essential in building increased support for libraries.

OCLC WebJunction – Public Library Per Capita Grant Application page

WebJunction Illinois increases library services in public libraries with equalization grants and public library per capita grants. They are available to public libraries in a regional system.

School Library Journal – Early Learning Grants for Public Library Resources

The article compiles a list of grants for libraries that want to fund learning programs for the young.

U.S. Impact Study – CTOP Grant Program

The Community Technology Opportunity Program provides grants to technology programs in the state of Washington. The grants are for hands on technology access for “low-income and underserved residents.” The recipients must complete reports and the grantees are tracked.

Overviews of Grant Funding to Libraries

eHow: Money – Grants for Public Libraries

The article explains that public libraries are often underfunded due to local government or lack of appreciation from the community. Public libraries then must rely on donations, endowments, and grants to make up the difference. The article also contends that the American Library Association and the Public Library Association award grants to individuals and libraries. Usually, these grants go to programs or outstanding library workers.

Emerald – Grant Funding for Libraries

The article provides an overview of the materials for grant funding to libraries. Funding comes from both government and private sources. There are suggestions as to where to look for supplementary grant funding.

Books/ Manuals

Gerding, S. K., & MacKeller, P. H. (2006) . Grants for libraries: a how-to-do-it manual. New York: Neal-
     Schuman Publishers.

Kachinske, T., & Kachinske, J. (2009) . 90 days to success in grant writing. Boston: Course Technology.

Kepler, A. (Ed) . (2012) . The ALA book of library grant money. American Library Association.

Landau, H. B. (2011) . Winning library grants: a game plan. Chicago: American Library Association.

Staines, G. M. (2010) . Go get that grant! a practical guide for libraries and nonprofit organizations.
Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press.

Selected Bibliography

Mantyi, T., & Balie, E. (2010). Conditional Grant for public libraries. Cape Librarian, 54(6), 17-19.
The article highlights the Conditional Grant project. The financial support for South Africa’s National Department of Arts and Culture aims to increases library services and individual access. This funding program is for both urban and rural libraries.

Opara, U. N. (2012). Strengthening Public Library Funding in Nigeria through Innovative Activities. African Journal Of Library, Archives & Information Science, 22(2), 143-150.
Nigeria’s former political leaders supported public libraries. The paper explains how current leaders are neglecting public libraries. Public funding is either declining or stagnant. Local, national, and global opportunities apart from state funding exist for Nigerian public libraries. This is possible through proposal writing and grant seeking. The paper stresses public library stakeholders to support the advancement of public libraries through these initiatives.

Shaffer, C., Major, A., Hull, J., & McGowin, J. (2012). Small Grants and the Academic Library. Tennessee Libraries, 62(1), 3.
The paper shows how small grants can impact the public’s view on an academic institution. The institution’s culture can also be transformed. The paper also shows how to locate grants that are best for individual institutions. Grant writing plans are offered and grant making organizations are explored.

Franklin, P., & Stephens, C. (2008). Gaining Skills to Write Winning Grants. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 25(3), 43-44.
The article presents data on grant writing for the library media center. The advantages of writing grants are examined. The parts of a grant such as need, project description, and expected outcomes are also specified.

American Library Association Diversity Research grants. (2010). Corporate Philanthropy Report, 25(4), 13.
The article notes how American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Diversity accepts requests. The Diversity Research Grant program is based on applications. The goal is to fund research and diversity in library and information science. Funds are also available to attend the yearly ALA conference.

Price, L. (2012). ALA Grants, Awards, and Fellowships. Public Libraries, 51(3), 23-26.
The article describes the grants, awards, and fellowships. These are accessible through the American Library Association (ALA), along with their associate societies and corporate partners. The article highlights the EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award.

Teel, L. (2010). Activities and Strategies for the Inclusion of a K-12 Educational Component in Digitization Grant Projects of Academic Libraries. Education Libraries, 33(2), 36-46.
The article evaluates the plan for the inclusion of a K-12 educational component in digitization grant projects. The component is for academic libraries. Three case studies of grants are highlighted. The author’s analysis is based on personal experience as a private investigator and an educational consultant. The conclusion provides details on improving future digitization projects.

Germain, C. (2009). Don't Take Marketing for “Grant”ed: Building Marketing Efforts into Library Grant Initiatives. Public Services Quarterly, 5(3), 217-222.
The article presents marketing techniques for libraries. These techniques can be used to request grants in U.S. libraries. Marketing and budgeting activities can be done before applying for the grant. Grants fund events, sessions, and construction. The grant can be from both government and non-government organizations.

Batis, O. (2012). Grant Writing. Children & Libraries: The Journal Of The Association For Library Service To Children, 10(2), 58-59.
The author shows how money can be raised through grant writing. After an $11,000 budget cut, library services are maintained and the bookmobile is given as one example. The author is also awarded other grants.

Hill, N. (2010). LSTA Grants. Public Libraries, 49(2), 9-13.
The article puts forth data on the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The American Library Association extends the act of offering the grants. The Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) directs the state individual to award the LSTA grants.

Birnbaum, M., Okahara, K., & Warner, M. (2012). Changes in Library Evaluation: Responding to External Pressures in the Institution of Museum and Library Services' Measuring Success Initiative for the Grants to States Program. Advances In Librarianship, 353-27.
The chapter analyzes the possibilities of putting into practice a new national approach to the current library funding program. The approach explores nonlinear logic mapping. This new evaluation can apply to many library services.

Price, L. (2012). An Introduction to Grants.gov. Public Libraries, 51(1), 25-27.
The article explains that U.S. public libraries must manage U.S. federal grant applications on Grants.gov. Organizations that have grant programs are listed. There are guidelines for grant submission. The registration is supposed to begin early. Steps for registration are listed.

Shaffer, C., Major, A., Hull, J., & McGowin, J. (2012). Small Grants and the Academic Library. Tennessee Libraries, 62(1), 3.
The paper highlights the importance of small grants on library culture and public views on an academic institution. Locating grant opportunities and determining which are best for a particular institution is insight that is given.

Landau, H. (2010). Winning Grants: A Game Plan. American Libraries, 41(9), 34-36.
The article examines the process for finding library grants. Theoretical and practical guidelines to locate proper grants are put forth.

Zhao, D. (2010). Characteristics and impact of grant-funded research: a case study of the library and information science field. Scientometrics, 84(2), 293-306.
This paper highlights analysis in the library and information science field between research grant funded programs and those that are not. Grant funded research rated higher than other research.

DPLA GETS IMLS GRANT FOR DIGITAL HUBS PILOT. (2012). Advanced Technology Libraries, 41(10), 7.
The article notes that the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The National Leadership Grant for Libraries funds the DPLA Digital Hubs Pilot Program. The grant supports putting U.S. digital library systems into a national system. The fund will also be applied to the Mountain West Digital Library regional center.

Stanley, M. (2008). Challenge grants: frightening, frustrating, and fruitful. Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances, 21(1), 11-13.
The paper highlights the subject of the challenge grant. Libraries can enhance their profiles, assist leaders, make plans, and produce funds from challenge grants. Practical suggestions are given to obtain a challenge grant with benefits that add to library improvement.

Sullivan, L. A. (2007). Grant funding for libraries. Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances, 20(4), 157-160. doi:10.1108/08880450710843996
The article highlights the sources for grant funding for libraries. Government and private funding sources are accessible for academic, special, and public libraries. Practical suggestions are given to locate grant funding. The groundwork necessary for grants are also included.

Hoduski, B. (2012). Libraries and the Fiscal Cliff. Unabashed Librarian, (165), 24-26.
The article examines the effects of the fiscal cliff on libraries. Some public libraries rely on federal funding for their programs. This includes library grants and funding for schools libraries. The article asks for the education of citizens and Congress for the development of libraries.

NCSU Libraries Tagged to Model Next-Generation Technology-rich Learning Spaces. (2011). Southeastern Librarian, 58(4), 14-16.
The article highlights a model for academic libraries to establish technological learning places. The NCSU libraries are used as an example for the transformative library experience. A three part model of the project is also given.

Rolen, R. (2009). Tips for Writing Grants. Louisiana Libraries, 71(3), 16-18.
The article provides advice about writing requests for library grants. The funding sources for grants should match the library’s need. The library’s committee should know how to use the funding. The committee should have a goal and know how funding will help attain the objective. Library staff should be kept updated about changes in the library.

Galloway, A. (2013). Grants and Acquisitions. College & Research Libraries News, 74(4), 214.
The article keeps postings about U.S. libraries. A grant for 69,000 dollars is highlighted. The Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) obtained the grant from the Getty Foundation. The grant makes possible the attendance of librarians and art information professionals to a yearly conference.

Howland Public Library receives Gates. Foundation grant. (2008). Hudson Valley Business Journal, 19(8), 6.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded a grant to Howland Public Library for computers. Six computers can be purchased over two years. The grant will also assist libraries in the state to increase their services.

INTERNET ARCHIVE GETS KNIGHT FOUNDATION GRANT. (2013). Advanced Technology Libraries, 42(7), 9.
The Knight Foundation awarded a grant to enlarge a research library. The article notes the Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library.

2013 Award Winners. (2013). Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children, 11(1), 55-56.
The article presents the Association for Library Service to Children’s beneficiaries. They receive both awards and grants.

Truett, C., Tashner, J., & Farthing, K. (2013). COLLABORATION AND COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT TO ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING IN A 3-D VIRTUAL WORLD. Library Media Connection, 32(1), 42-45.
The article evaluates a program that uses educational technology and 3-D to enhance learning. The grant was meant to bring together library science students and school personnel. The plan is to create a 3-D world for library services.

2009 Special Libraries Association Research Grants Focus on Evidence Based Practice. (2009). Evidence Based Library & Information Practice, 4(2), 185-187.
The article highlights the 2009 SLA Research Grant. The grant comes from the Special Libraries Association (SLA). There are two plans contained. They are research projects and projects that support SLA. The article also lists those who received research grants, fund awards, and application data.

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY GETS IMLS GRANT FOR MAKER SPACE. (2013). Advanced Technology Libraries, 42(1), 8.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded a grant to the Chicago Public Library.

Vandenbroek, A. (2010). Grant Writing without Blowing a Gasket. Library Media Connection, 28(6), 28-30.
The article looks at the financial part of grant writing. Fundraising and limited budgets are mentioned. The article explains how grants are helpful to fund writing, even though they are not the total solution. Also mentioned is having the grant writer be helped by the principal.   

Motin, S. (2007). Reach out to your community through exhibits: Employing ALA partner grants as part of your academic library's marketing effort. College & Research Libraries News, 68(5), 310-313.
The article explains various approaches on how to utilize the support from grants. The strategy for the marketing of library resources should be planned. Even if the sum of money is small, personnel, publications, and events can be increased. Forming a committee is another way of working to market the grants. Student involvement can also be increased by the marketed events and activities.

Price, L. (2007). Preparing a Great LSTA Request. Public Libraries, 46(4), 34-37.
The article details the U.S. government’s Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the awarding of its grants. The process for applying for grants and writing grants are included. LSTA grants are meant to enhance learning and information services. They also can be used to increase electronic services and the connection between libraries. Programs that received grant money are highlighted in the article.

Henry Luce Foundation Awards Grant to CEAL. (2012). Journal of East Asian Libraries, (155), 66.
The article details the Henry Luce Foundation’s grant to the Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL) of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS). The grant is meant to assist in the exploration of East Asian libraries in North America. The grant will allow for two international panels in 2013 and 2014. The agenda will be for research in East Asian studies and global networking.

Daily Record, S. (n.d). Rochester Public Library gets grant for youth learning. Daily Record, The (Rochester, NY),
The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation will award 12 grants. The Rochester Public Library along with Nazareth College and ArtPeace Inc. will be awarded a grant. The funding will be for a learning lab that creates a space for people to connect and deepen skills in academics, career, and civic engagement. The lab is inspired by YOUmedia at the Chicago Public Library. The labs will be a conduit for people to create content. The twelve winners consist of five museums and seven libraries. The total amount of money is 1.2 million to create the labs. The Rochester Public Library will be awarded 100,000 dollars for Cypher Productions @ Teen Central. The grant is the second round winner to build 21st century museums and libraries.

Price, L. (2010). The State of Public Funding. Public Libraries, 49(4), 23-26.
The article highlights public funding and U.S. libraries. The Online Computer Library Center’s (OCLC) report on “From Awareness to Funding: A Study of Library Support in America” is evaluated. The conclusion is made by the National Center for Education Statistics that the budgets in more than a third of U.S. public libraries are waning. Support deteriorates further when the issue of taxes is raised. The author comments that the report positively educates people on library funding.  The author also notes that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awards 5 million dollars toward public awareness.

ALCTS Awards $1,500 in Micro Grants. (2012). American Libraries, 43(9/10), 6-7.
The article notes that the U.S. Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) awards Transforming Collections micro grants. The University of Maryland County Library and the University of Maryland Health Sciences and Human Services Library are the recipients.

 

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