It\u2019s grant writing time, and for many public libraries, grants are the main driver of funding for new and existing programs. It\u2019s a stressful time, both for those writing the grants, and those awarding them.
\nThe best advice I can give is to be selective! Research what grants are available to you, and make sure what you\u2019re asking for fits the selection criteria of the grant being awarded. Once you\u2019ve identified a grant that matches your needs, review previous grant winners to see if you can identify what made that winning program stand out from the rest of the applicants. Also, work with your program staff to be sure your information is up to date and relevant. Avoid rhetoric and hyperbole. Try to provide anecdotes and testimonies that demonstrate need or previous success. Be specific about outputs and outcomes. The proposal should explicitly state expected practical, tangible outputs. Don\u2019t be afraid to be realistic about your expectations! Make sure to adhere to the formatting and content requirements laid out in the grant application instructions. Proposals not meeting these requirements will often not be considered.<\/p>\n
We are looking forward to reading your submissions! The ALSC Library Service to Special Population Children and Their Caregivers Committee will select the winner of \u00a0our “Light the Way” award based on the\u00a0application process<\/a>. Special population children may include but isn\u2019t limited to: those who have learning or physical differences, those who speak English as a second language, those who are in a non-traditional school environment, those who live in foster care settings, those who are in the juvenile justice system, those who live in non-traditional\u00a0families, and those who need accommodation services. The winner of this award will be announced at ALA’s Midwinter Meeting.\u00a0The award consists of a $3,000 grant to assist in conducting exemplary outreach to under-served populations through a new program or an expansion of work already being done.<\/p>\n Not sure if this is the right grant for you? Review these other amazing opportunities!<\/p>\n The “Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More” grant.<\/a><\/p>\n Looking to expand your collection? The Libri Foundation can help<\/a>, so can\u00a0The Lisa Libraries<\/a>.<\/p>\n Do you need a wide variety of books for your collection? Ask the Library of Congress<\/a>.<\/p>\n