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Library Grant Links

Mother Goose on the Loose at the J. V. Fletcher Library, Westford
By Kathleen D. Hutchins, Head of Youth Services

The Youth Services Division is delighted to announce that the Library has been awarded a one year mini-grant called "Mother Goose on the Loose, an early childhood literacy program for babies, young children and their caregivers. This innovative, emergent literacy program builds on the most recent findings in brain research."

Our extremely popular Mother Goose Time for children ages 0-36 months attracts well over 100 participants weekly. Other, smaller programs serve children ages 2-5 years. When families return to Library-run story times in February they will enjoy the benefits of new and larger puppets, books, musical instruments and other program enhancements. Staff has added more music and activities to the repertoire of offerings as well.

All of the above are geared toward enhancing pre-literacy skills in the very young. Through modeling and special programs, parents and other caregivers will be able to take away ideas for activities to help their babies and young children develop age appropriate skills in preparation for learning to read.

This project is being funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funds from LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), a Federal source of library funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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For Public libraries:

"Liberty and Justice for All" is a current thematic initiative of the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities that give priority to public humanities programs that explore two fundamental principles in American political life, and their interplay, past and present. The maximum grant is $10,000. All other MFH grant guidelines and restrictions apply.

Remaining 2007 deadlines are May, August, and November. Complete details are at: http://www.mfh.org/grants/grantypes/liberty.html

The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries in the United States through its Books for Children program.

The next deadline is April 15, 2007. The application and guidelines are at http://www.librifoundation.org/apps.html.

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For Public Libraries and Community Collaborations

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Vulnerable Populations Portfolio, "Fresh Ideas: Improving the Health of Immigrant and Refugee Communities," aims to give immigrants and refugees the tools and support they need to improve and maintain their own health. The Foundation is interested in projects designed to help new populations integrate into their communities.

To be considered, proposals must address ways for improving the health of immigrants and refugees by linking how social factors -- language skills, significant cultural differences, education, and poverty -- affect health outcomes. Of special interest are projects from organizations outside the formal network of healthcare providers.

Applicants may be either public entities or nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Grants of up to $300,000 each for up to three years will be available. The initiative will fund eight to ten projects in 2007. A grant award request can not exceed 50 percent of the applicant organization's annual budget.

The Foundation anticipates reviewing groups of proposals several times during the year. The next review deadline is April 13, 2007.

Visit: http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10006064/rwjf for complete details and examples of funded projects.

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For School Libraries:

The American Library Association Public Programs Office, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Humanities, is pleased to announce "Picturing America," a new grant opportunity for schools and school libraries. "Picturing America" has been created to promote the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture in K-12 schools through examples of the nation's most significant works of art and architecture.

Online applications will be accepted through March 19, 2007. Awards will be announced in May 2007: collections will be distributed in September 2007.

See http://publicprograms.ala.org/picturingamerica for complete information.

Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities K-12 Grants seek to improve K-12 humanities education in the Commonwealth through professional development opportunities; curriculum development projects in history, literature, and other humanities disciplines; and planning or implementation of a collaboration between one or more teachers.

All K-12 projects must have a strong connection to the curriculum. Teachers must be involved in the planning. Grants are up to $5,000.

The next deadlines are in May, August, and November. See the grant site at: http://www.mfh.org/grants/grantypes/k12.html.

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For Public or School Libraries:

The Captain Planet Foundation funds and supports hands-on environmental projects for children and youths. Its objective is to encourage innovative programs that empower children and youth to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Projects must promote the understanding of environmental issues and focus on hands-on involvement.

All applicant organizations or sponsoring agencies must be exempt from federal taxation under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501. Deadlines are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. See http://www.captainplanetfdn.org/aboutUs.html.

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For Libraries of All Types:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting grant applications for the 2007 National Leadership Grant Program, under the categories: Building Digital Resources, Library and Museum Community Collaboration, and Research and Demonstration. Eligible libraries include public, school, academic, special, private (not-for- profit), archives, library agencies, library consortia, and library associations.

Successful proposals will show evidence that they will have national impact and generate results -- new tools, research, models, services, practices, or alliances -- that can be widely adapted or replicated to extend the benefit of federal support.

All applications must be submitted online through Grants.gov. The deadline is March 1, 2007. Information is at: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nationalLeadership.shtm.

The Essex National Heritage Commission (ENHC) Partnership Grant Program is a matching grant program created to foster collaboration between organizations that share the ENHC's mission to preserve and promote the historic, cultural, and natural resources in Essex County.

Application guidelines, criteria, and forms are available online. Non-profit organizations and public entities that share the mission of ENHC are encouraged to apply. The deadline is March 1 at noon. Information is at: http://essexheritage.org/partnershipgrants/index.shtml.

The Thomas M. Leonard Partnership Grant for Education was established in recognition of founding ENHC President Tom Leonard. It is designed to nurture the future stewards of the historic, cultural, and natural resources of Essex County. This annual grant will be awarded to a qualifying non- profit organization targeting underserved youth ages 8-16 in Essex County.

Grant funds must be used to develop a program or project that advances awareness of the region's resources for the benefit of the greater community. The deadline is March 1, 2007, at 12:00 noon. See: http://essexheritage.org/partnershipgrants/2007/educationcriteriatlg.shtml.

The Staples Foundation for Learning provides funds to nonprofit organizations that support job skills and education for all people especially disadvantaged youth.

The 2007 deadlines are April 6, August 3, and December 7. Information is at: http://www.staplesfoundation.org/foundapplication.html