Learning Objectives

• Learn more about options for purchasing materials for the library.

Grant Opportunities

If the library budget needs some help, think about applying for a grant to help supplement the funds you need. Grant opportunities can be found at many levels--local, state, and national. Local grants could come from the PTA/PTO or a community group. Talk with your colleagues about any local grants they may have heard of and watch local news sources for grant announcements.

Grant Resources for Collection Development 

• Laura Bush School Library Grant - Funds go to school libraries to update book and media collections.
• Beyond Words Disaster Relief - Grant funds support public school libraries due to a natural disaster, fire, or terrorism.
• Dollar General Summer Reading Grants - This grant supports the creation or expansion of summer reading programs.
• Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants - Funds from this grant can be used to purchase books, materials, or software for literacy programs.
• The Doris Ann Norris We Love Libraries Grant - Six grants are given to applying libraries, highlighting books in the collection written by Sisters in Crime members.
• Snapdragon Book Foundation School Library Grant - This grant provides funds to improve school libraries for disadvantaged children.
• Celebrating Ohio Book Awards & Authors Grant - Grant funds allow libraries to build or expand a collection of books written by Ohio authors or who receive Ohio book awards.
• LSTA Open Grant - Open Grants are available for libraries to meet a need in their community.

What Is Needed to Apply?

Each grant has different criteria depending on the grant organization. Researching grant writing and the company awarding the grant are two great places to start the application process. Be sure to consult with school administration to ensure you adhere to district policies and procedures.

One particularly informative webinar on Ohio grants called Getting Started with Grant Writing was presented in a partnership between the State Library of Ohio and OhioNet by Cindy Boyden, Library Consultant - LSTA, State Library of Ohio. 

Some highlights of the webinar are summarized below.

1. The grant isn't about money. Focus on the project, people, and community that will be served with the grant funds.
2. There are key elements of a proposal:
   • Introduction - Introduce the project and the beneficiaries. Explain how the project will improve services for patrons. 
   • Problem Statement/Needs Assessment - Explain the issue or concern and how the grant will solve it. Use statistics and cite your sources.
   • Objectives -  Focus on results and benefits.
   • Methods/Activities - Outline steps or action items to achieve objectives. Include a timeline.
   • Evaluation/Outcomes - Identify criteria to show the project has impacted your audience. Describe what will happen to the beneficiaries if the objectives are met.
   • Budget - Ask for what you need. Spend all grant funds and explain all costs, including vendor information. Pay attention to what you can and cannot spend grant funds on.
3. Grants should be reviewed before they are submitted.
4. Language and messaging in the grant should be positive.
5. Grants should avoid jargon.
6. Grants must be submitted on time.

If you are an Ohio school librarian, you can watch the webinar by signing up for a free account with OhioNet and accessing the OhioNet Training Archive. 

For more tips on grant writing, you can check out the Grant Writing Basics blog on the Community Blog at grants.gov. 

Reflecting on Your Learning

1. Look over the available grant options and choose one.  Note any due dates and complete the steps for the application. 
2. Reflect on the Getting Started with Grant Writing webinar presented by OhioNET and the State Library of Ohio. What stood out most to you about grant writing? Post your thoughts in the INFOhio School Library Basics group on Open Space. In the Discussions tab, look for the Grants post.