Grant Opportunities

The Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant is a NEW grant sponsored by YALSA.
 
This grant aims to recognize a librarian who has a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy. Examples of literacy include, but are not limited to, digital, media, visual, computer, data, financial, civic/ethical, news, information, multicultural, and cultural. Established in 2020, this annual $1,000 award is funded by friends and family of Joann Sweetland Lum.
 
Applicants must work for and with youth (ages 10-19) in a library setting. Applicants do not have to be YALSA members, but the recipient must become a member of ALA/YALSA. Grant funds can be used to cover this cost. Applications will be accepted through Dec 1, 2020.
 
Learn more and apply: www.ala.org/yalsa/joann-sweetland-lum-memorial-grant


Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities.
 
Any nonprofit organization, public or private school, or youth program in the United States or US Territories planning a new garden program or expanding an established one that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 3 and 18 is eligible to apply. The selection of winners is based on demonstrated program impact and sustainability. A total of 30 programs will be awarded.
 
Learn more and apply: https://kidsgardening.org/2021-youth-garden-grant/

 
The 2021 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries is now taking applications. These grants recognize libraries for their role in the growth of graphic literature.
 
Three grants are available. Two recipients will receive the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants, which provide support to libraries that would like to expand existing graphic novel collections, services, and programs. A third recipient will receive the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant, which provides support to a library for the initiation of a new graphic novel service or program.
 
Each grantee receives $4,000 in funding for programming and collection development, as well as a selection of the 2021 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award winners. Applicants must be ALA members. The deadline to submit is Sunday, February 7, 2021.
 
Learn more and apply: www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/eisner
  

Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is a special grant opportunity for libraries serving small and rural communities.
 
The ALA invites libraries in small and rural communities to apply for grant funding to help them address issues of concern in their communities. Up to 650 U.S. libraries in small and rural communities will receive $3,000 each to tackle issues ranging from media literacy to COVID-19 safety to unemployment. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 2, 2020. Applicants must have an institutional OR personal membership with either the ALA or the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.
 
Learn more and apply: www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities/focusgrants