FOR: Public Libraries and School Districts  

AWARD AMOUNT: Up to $4,900.00 per agency 

The American Library Association (ALA) invites library workers to apply to be part of Resilient Communities: Libraries Respond to Climate Change, a pilot program to help public and academic libraries engage their communities in programs and conversations that address the climate change crisis. 

The program supports developing a diverse workforce of librarians to better meet the changing learning and information needs of the American public by enhancing the training and professional development of library and archives professionals; developing faculty and library leaders; and recruiting, educating, and retaining the next generation of library and archives professionals.

Deadline: until they've received 300 entries OR until June 30th, 2020, whichever comes first. Note: Black writers and illustrators may submit an application until June 30th, even if they have received 300 entries.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband announced the new Illinois Connected Communities grant program designed to assist local governments, schools, and community organizations with building broadband capacity. The $150,000 grant opportunity will help communities close existing gaps and lay the groundwork for improved broadband access, adoption, and utilization.

IMLS CARES Act Grants for Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum and Library Services assists tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in responding to the urgent and future needs of their communities. Applications focused on digital inclusion, technical support, rehiring or retraining staff, reopening planning, and other pandemic-related priorities are welcomed.

The deadline for submitting an application is June 12, 2020, with award announcements anticipated in August.

The IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries support museums and libraries in addressing their communities’ immediate and future needs caused by the pandemic. Projects may focus on preserving jobs, training staff, addressing the digital divide, planning for reopening, or providing technical support and capacity building for digital inclusion and engagement. Applicants are encouraged to prioritize services for high-need communities.

These National Endowment for the Arts grants support artistically excellent projects that celebrate creativity and cultural heritage, invite mutual respect for differing beliefs and values, and enrich humanity. Cost share/matching grants generally range from $10,000 to $100,000. A minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount is required. Projects may be large or small, existing or new, and may take place in any part of the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Projects may consist of one or more specific events or activities.

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association, has announced the Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant, which aims to annually recognize a librarian or a library employee who has a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy.

All literacy grant project ideas, regardless of how big or small, are welcome. Examples of literacy include, but are not limited to, digital, media, visual, computer, data, financial, civic/ethical, news, information, multicultural, and cultural literacy.

From the Illinois State Historical Records Board: