Or: Where’s the Money?
Grants are funds received from a private foundation (such as the Council on Library and Information Resources) or government-sponsored organization (such as the National Endowment for the Humanities) by an individual, group, or institution. In most cases, the recipient must compete for grant funds by submitting a proposal.
Grantsmanship is the art of successfully obtaining and administering grants. This includes the ability to recognize when an idea is fundable, locate funding sources, research information necessary to fill out a grant application, establish a realistic timetable, write the proposal, and manage the grant process once funding is approved. When grant funding is a high priority, you may wish to consider working with a trained and experienced grants administrator to help librarians negotiate the process.
Resources
- Annual Register of Grant Support: Information on funding sources published by Information Today.
- Foundation Directory: Provided by Candid.
- Grants.gov: For federal grant opportunities. Maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Library Grants: A blog for anyone interested in library grant opportunities.
ICfL Grants
The Idaho Commission for Libraries offers an assortment of monetary grants to libraries.
For more information on ICfL monetary grants, contact:
Jamie Thill, Grants Officer
jamie.thill@libraries.idaho.gov | 208-639-4153
E-Rate and Broadband Grants
E-Rate and broadband grants can help libraries cover the cost of internet service.
For more information on E-Rate and broadband grants, contact:
Doug Baker, Library Technology Consultant
doug.baker@libraries.idaho.gov | (208) 639-4173