Grant Sources

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Potential grant funding sources are listed below, categorized by topic.

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Scholarships
  • ALA Scholarships
  • ASLS Excellence in Library Innovation Award (NYLA) – This award recognizes the achievements of an ASLS member who is creative, innovative and visionary in the field of academic or special librarianship. Attendance at the NYLA conference is required for acceptance of the award and plaque.
  • Baker & Taylor Grant (Young Adult Librarians to attend ALA Conference)
  • Dewey Fellowship Award (NYLA) – The Dewey Fellowship pays for up to $1000 of the cost of attendance of the 2010 NYLA Annual Conference. Additionally, each Dewey Fellow will receive a $100 Gift Certificate for use at the NYLA store, and will be acknowledged on NYLA’s website, at the Annual Conference and in the NYLA Bulletin.
  • Diversity Research Grants – The Diversity Research Grant consists of a one-time $2000 annual award for original research and a $500 travel grant to attend and present at ALA Annual Conference. Three grants are awarded each year.
  • Econo-Clad Award for Outstanding Reading or Literature Program for Children (to attend ALA Annual Conference)
  • Frederic Melcher Scholarship for children’s librarians (Youth Services)
  • Fulbright Scholar Program
  • LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund-The LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund is devoted to the support, maintenance, medical care, and welfare of librarians who are denied employment rights or discriminated against on the basis of sex, sexual preference, race, color, creed, or place of national origin or are threatened with loss of employment or discharged because of their stand for the cause of intellectual freedom, including promotion of freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and the freedom of librarians to select items for their collections.
  • 3M/NMRT Professional Development Grant (New Members Round Table)
  • Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers Awards-Four $600 grants will be awarded to selected children’s librarians to encourage their attendance at the American Library Association conference held annually. December 1 deadline.
  • PLA New Leaders Travel Grant – The purpose of these grants is to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities. This grant has been established to enable PLA Members new to the profession and who have not had the opportunity to attend a major PLA Continuing Education Event in the last five years to do so. Eligible events are the PLA Spring Symposium workshops; PLA National Conferences; and other PLA Events, such as Preconferences, held in conjunction with ALA Annual Conferences.
  • YALSA Awards, Grants, Stipends & Scholarships
  • Youth Services Section (YSS) of NYLA Scholarships -There are two awards. The Spring Conference Scholarship supports attendance at the annual YSS spring conference. Applicant may be a library school student, practicing librarian or paraprofessional or involved in youth services activity, such as author, illustrator, storyteller. The Ann Gibson Scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to someone in library school who has completed 18 credits and is planning to go into youth services.
Program Grants
  • American Library Association
  • Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy Grant
  • Best Buy Children’s Foundation -This foundation funds children’s programs where they have a business presence (there are stores in Kingston and Poughkeepsie). Priority goes to programs in mentoring, leadership development and out-of-school educational opportunities. Programs should enhance kids’ educational learning experiences through the of use innovative technology. Application guidelines online.
  • Book Wholesalers Summer Reading Program Grant -Grant awards $3,000 to a library which develops an outstanding summer reading program theme and activities, with special consideration if program encourages participation by children with physical disabilities. Application due by December 1.. Must be member of ALSC by due date.
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation – The Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation is committed to improving communities and impacting lives through unique philanthropic programs that help children and families, animals, and the environment. The Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation will make grants to qualified non-profit organizations (either 501(c)(3) organizations or registered Canadian charities) in support of children’s health and wellness, animals and the environment, and literacy and education
  • Coming Up Taller – President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
  • Council on the Arts Grants – annual decentralization grants to promote community-based arts and cultural projects. Here are sites for the Councils within the Mid-Hudson Library System:
  • Dollar General Foundation Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Grant funding is provided to assist in the following areas:
    • Implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs
    • Purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives
    • Purchasing books, materials or software for literacy programs
  • MBNA Foundation – The MBNA Foundation is dedicated to supporting results-oriented programs that make significant and positive differences in the quality of education. Grants are available to teachers, school administrators, and other educators for programs in grades kindergarten through 12.
  • The National Gallery of Art Free-Loan Program – The National Gallery of Art’s Division of Education provides slide teaching programs, multimedia programs, videocassettes, CD ROMs, DVDs and videodiscs to millions of viewers each year. These programs are intended to foster awareness of the visual arts and make Gallery collections accessible to a broad audience beyond the Gallery’s walls. They are circulated free of charge to educational institutions, community groups, and individuals throughout the United States.
  • Poets & Writers Grant – P&W pays fees to writers giving readings or conducting workshops in New York and California, and in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Seattle. While our support is limited to events taking place in these five areas, writers from all states are eligible for P&W funding.
  • Programming Librarian – Grant Funding sources
  • Rockwell Collins Charitable Giving – Rockwell Collins Charitable Corporation awards funds of $5,000 or more to nonprofit organizations providing programs to the youth in math, science and engineering or culture and the arts.
  • The Prudential Foundation – The Prudential Foundation provides support to innovative direct-service programs that address the needs of communities in three areas: Ready to Learn, Ready to Work, Ready to Live.
Youth Literacy Grants
  • Libri Foundation – Books for Children Program
  • Dollar General Foundation – Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading. Grant funding is provided to assist in the following areas:
    • Implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs
    • Purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives
    • Purchasing books, materials or software for literacy programs
  • Experimental Television Center, LTD.
  • Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
  • Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF)
  • Greater Hudson Heritage Network
  • Home Depot-Grants support programs for at-risk youth. Young people need safe places to play and learn, leadership programs that teach skills through community engagement and job readiness training. The Home Depot Foundation focuses support on programs that serve at-risk youth ages 12 to 18. For more information, contact hd_foundation@homedepot.com or call The Home Depot Foundation at 1-866-593-7019.
  • LEGO Children’s Fund- Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations. Primary areas of support include: early childhood education and development, technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities. Applications are considered from nonprofit organizations located anywhere within the United States, with emphasis on Connecticut and western Massachusetts. Requests are reviewed quarterly Visit the Fund’s website to take the required eligibility quiz.
  • The Lisa Libraries – Children’s author Ann M. Martin and friends began Lisa Libraries as a memorial to a friend. Lisa Libraries donates new books to organizations serving children in low-income areas, and helps to start or expand children’s libraries in places such as day care centers, prison visiting areas, and after school programs.
  • Milagro Foundation-The foundation makes grants to community-based, grass- roots organizations that work with children and youth, especially those at risk and disadvantaged due to such factors as poor health, illiteracy, or insufficient educational and cultural opportunities. Milagro focuses upon three areas: (1) helping children and youth live healthy lives through education and prevention of disease; (2) helping live literate lives through learning; and (3) helping live culturally enriched lives through arts education. Application process is ongoing and awards range from $2,500-$5,000.
  • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) A Big Read
  • National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Challenge Grants
  • New York Council for the Humanities
  • New York Foundation for the Arts
  • New York Summer Reading Mini Grants
  • New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
  • Nickelodeon’s Big Green Grants Program
  • Office Depot-The company will give some monetary support, as well as specific supplies, to local 501(c)3 organizations which work to benefit children. Rolling deadline for applications.
  • The Pilcrow Foundation – A 2-to-1 match to rural public libraries that receive a grant through its Children’s Book Project Program and contribute $200-$400 through a local sponsors for the purchase of up to $1200 worth (at retail value) of new, quality, hardcover children’s books.
  • Planet Dog Foundation (program idea: therapy dogs reading to kids)
  • Starbucks Foundation – The foundation funds programs for youth, ages 6-18, that integrate literacy with personal and civic action in the communities where they live. The Starbucks Foundation invites letters of inquiry from qualifying 501 (c) 3 organizations that work with underserved youth in the fields of literacy (reading, writing and creative/media arts) and environmental literacy. Grants range from $5,000-$20,000.
  • Stewart’s Shops Grants
  • Target Store Grants (early childhood reading grants)
  • Texaco Foundation [Chevron]
  • Time Warner Foundation (national)
  • Verizon Foundation – To help move America to a more literate society, Verizon uses a combination of corporate philanthropy, employee participation, celebrity volunteers, partnerships with literacy organizations and contributions from our customers. In 2005, Verizon awarded more than 900 literacy grants totaling more than $13 million.
  • The Walmart Foundation
  • The Wallace Foundation
  • Wish You Well Foundation – The Wish You Well Foundation supports family literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs.
Collection Grants
Preservation Grants
Construction Grants
Special Populations
  • AARP – Funding specifically for serving senior citizens.
  • Achelis & Bodman Foundation – Inner-city public education initiatives.
  • ALA’s Spectrum Initiative (Scholarships)
  • Guadalajara International Book Fair (Scholarship)
  • IMLS Native American Library Services
  • Harman Family Foundation – Bringing education to underseved populations in Boston, New Yor, Los Angeles, and Washington DC; educational innovation at all levels.
  • Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, Inc. – The foundation annually awards grants to rural and urban public libraries serving at-risk children. The grants range from $500 to $5,000. Successful applicants have proposed purchases to update their collections generally or to expand their holdings in special areas. The Foundation welcomes applications from libraries with real need and limited book budgets. An application form is available from: Lois Lenski Foundation, Attn.: Arthur F. Abelman, Moses & Singer, 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019-6076.
  • Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation – The Mitsubishi Foundation is committed to helping young Americans with disabilities reach their full potential within society. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for grant funds that help young disabled people have full access to educational, vocational and educational opportunities in order to participate with their peers.
  • Spry Foundation – Funding specifically for serving senior citizens.
  • Distribution to Underserved Communities Library Program – The Art Resources Transfer Inc. is a non profit organization that donates books on art and culture to any library through their Distribution to Underserved Communities Library Program. This program also pays for the shipment of the books to the library. Their goal is to make information on contemporary art and cultural issues available to all.
Local Grants (By County)

Columbia County

  • Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation – Mission statement: To improve the quality of life in Berkshire, Litchfield, Columbia and Dutchess counties through organized philanthropy.
  • Columbia Co. Chamber of Commerce – The 1000 members of the Chamber of Commerce represent over half the businesses in Columbia County. The mix of small business, manufacturing, agriculture, service providers, tourism and the arts has provided a firm foundation for a strong and resilient economic base.
  • Dyson Foundation – Focuses on a range of initiatives in the Mid-Hudson Valley of NY, with special interest in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties.
  • Hudson River Bank & Trust Company Foundation – The Hudson River Bank & Trust Company Foundation, is committed to providing funding to support charitable causes and community development activities in Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Dutchess counties.
  • Rheinstrom Hill Community Foundation, Inc. – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • The Potts Memorial Foundation – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.

Dutchess County

  • Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation – Mission statement: To improve the quality of life in Berkshire, Litchfield, Columbia and Dutchess counties through organized philanthropy.
  • Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley
  • Dutchess County Arts Council – The Dutchess County Arts Council was established in 1964 as a private, nonprofit arts service organization to promote and coordinate cultural activity and development in Dutchess County.
  • Dutchess County Chambers of Commerce – This site provides a list of Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations in Dutchess County with contact information.
  • Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation – The Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC)-a private, not-for-profit, local development corporation-is the primary economic development entity for Dutchess County, New York.
  • Dutchess County’s Largest Employers – “Find out more about the Leading Employers in Dutchess County by sector. The list includes the company name, location, product/service, division (e.g., manufacturing, health care, education, utilities, not-for-profit, etc.), NAICS code, employment, and union affiliation.”
  • Dutchess County Legislature – This site lists the officials in the Dutchess County Legislature along with their contact information.
  • Dyson Foundation – Focuses on a range of initiatives in the Mid-Hudson Valley of NY, with special interest in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties.
  • Hudson River Bank & Trust Company Foundation – The Hudson River Bank & Trust Company Foundation, is committed to providing funding to support charitable causes and community development activities in Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Dutchess counties.
  • IBM Community Page – “Over the last ten years, IBM has been one of the largest corporate contributors of cash, equipment, and people to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions across the U.S. and around the world. In all our efforts, we help people use information technology to improve the quality of life for themselves and others.”
  • Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • McCann Foundation Inc. – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • Thanksgiving Foundation – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region– United Way’s locally raised funds are spent locally on a wide variety of community services, including after-school enrichment programs, child care, senior citizen health screenings, adult day care, life-sustaining meals and shelter, counseling and support for the chemically-dependent, Scouting, job training and more.

Greene County

Putnam County

  • Dill Foundation – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • Dyson Foundation – Focuses on a range of initiatives in the Mid-Hudson Valley of NY, with special interest in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties.
  • J. Weinstein Foundation Inc. – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • Putnam Arts Council
  • Putnam County Legislature – This site lists the officials in the Putnam County Legislature along with their contact information.
  • Wallace Foundation – Reader’s Digest

Ulster County

  • Andretta Foundation – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • Dyson Foundation – Focuses on a range of initiatives in the Mid-Hudson Valley of NY, with special interest in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties.
  • Hudson Valley Foundation for Youth Health Inc. – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • Kingston Lions Club Foundation Inc. – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • Kvistad Foundation – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • Margaret A. Jamison Memorial Inc. – Search for this Foundation’s information through the Foundation Center’s Foundation Finder.
  • Southern Ulster County Chamber of Commerce – This page contains contact information for the Southern Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, as well as a calendar of events and a member directory.
  • Ulster County Development Corporation – The Ulster County Corporation -a private, not-for-profit, local development corporation-is a primary economic development entity for Ulster County, New York.
  • Ulster County Chamber of Commerce – This page contains contact information for the  Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, as well as a calendar of events and a member directory.
  • Ulster County Legislature – This site lists the officials in the Ulster County Legislature along with their contact information.
Lists of Grants / Other / General
Grant Information Centers

Grant Information Centers in the Mid-Hudson Area, New York
Located nationwide in public libraries, universities, community foundations, or nonprofit organizations, grant information centers, also known as Cooperating Collections, provide visitors with free access to Foundation Center’s electronic and print resources on grants and fundraising.

If you don’t find a grant that fits your project idea above:

  • Call the appropriate MHLS Staff person and we’ll help you look for a funding opportunity.

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