Embedded Files
December
December
December 2: Letters of Interest Due
SELS is excited to announce the Community Needs Grant, a new grant opportunity for its academic, K-12 school and special library members! Instead of limiting the amount awarded, SELS invites members to think bigger! Members are encouraged to think about solutions to community needs that could be launched with grant support. SELS is opening up a larger pool of grant funds (a total of $20,000) to support innovative projects. This new opportunity corresponds with the SELS Strategic Plan, in which one of the goals is to "adapt responsive funding opportunities to support libraries in enhancing services to better meet the needs of users." Please note: This is not a collection development grant, although a small portion of funds may be used to purchase materials related to the grant objective.
December 3
This program provides grants to organizations to support collaborative teams who are editing, annotating, and translating foundational humanities texts that are vital to scholarship but are currently inaccessible or only available in inadequate editions or translations. Typically, the texts are significant literary, philosophical, and historical materials, but works in other humanities fields may also be the subject of an edition. The program supports continuous full-time or part-time activities during the period of performance of one to three years. At least two scholars must work collaboratively on the project.
December 8
The Public Library Association (PLA) hosts a biennial conference for public libraries, offering educational sessions, speakers, bestselling authors, networking opportunities, and an exhibits hall with vendors offering library products and solutions. PLA is the largest association dedicated to supporting the needs of public library professionals. This grant opportunity supports Goal A of State Library Services Minnesota LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027), which aims to build coalitions to increase impact, and to develop staff through connection. Through attendance at the PLA conference and post-event discussion, grantees from each region of the state of Minnesota will bring back best practices for their libraries and staff development. The maximum grant award amount is $3,000 for each grantee attending the conference in-person. It is expected to award 12-14 grants for in-person attendance, and 12 grants for virtual conference attendance.
December 8
Through the State of Minnesota’s 2025-2027 biennial legislation and the Community Identity and Heritage, Cultural Heritage Fund (Legacy), the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) will administer $6,299,000 in grants to individuals and organizations that will work to create, celebrate, and teach the art, culture, and heritage of the many diverse cultural groups that make up Minnesota, including but not limited to Indigenous organizations, communities whose culture and heritage have been historically underrepresented, recent immigrant communities, and veterans.December 10 (Anticipated)
The Save America’s Treasures (SAT) grant program was established in 1998 and first awarded grants in 1999 to help preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation’s rich heritage to future generations. Since 1999, there have been more than 4,000 requests for funding totaling more than $1.54 billion. More than $315,700,000 has been awarded to 1,300+ projects. The SAT program is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with its partners, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
December 20
Operation Round Up is a program that allows members of the People's Energy Cooperative to simply "round up" electric bills to the next highest dollar and that monthly contribution to the trust fund is as little as a penny, but never more than 99 cents. The concept behind the program is to extend the principle on which electric cooperatives were built over 80 years ago - neighbor-helping-neighbor. ORU contributions are used primarily in the local area served by the Cooperative for charitable and educational purposes, including emergency energy assistance. The funding priority categories are: Community Service; Economic Development; Education and Youth; Environment; Emergency Energy Assistance. Contributions will generally be made only to non-profit organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(C) (3).
December 31
T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Elected officials, town managers/employees, tribal leaders, and nonprofit community leaders from town with a population less than 50,000 can apply for up to $50,000 in funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest.January 2026
January 2026
January 9
These grants primarily fund projects that can be completed within 12 months. Small grants award notifications are sent eight weeks after the application deadline. While there is no pre-application process for small grants, Grants Office staff are available to discuss your project as you prepare your application. If not funded, you will receive feedback on your application so that you can strengthen it and re-apply in another cycle. Structured grants, a simplified small grant option, are tailored to specific types of projects, such as developing a disaster plan for a small repository, acquiring microfilm, or conducting a museum self-assessment. All structured grants are small grants, and follow the small grants process listed above; however, the applicant must simply use the appropriate short form structured grant application rather than the standard Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Grants application form. MNHS small grants are awarded quarterly, and applications are due on the second Friday of January, April, July, and October.
January 11
These grants support two categorical projects that encourage public awareness on the rise and importance of graphic literature, sequential art, and comics as a literary medium. The objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries is to facilitate library-generated programs and services that will promote graphic novels to library patrons and to the local community. Applicants must be a member of ALA.
January 15
Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL) is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) program that raises funds for public libraries to make science kits as easy to check out as a book! The grant provides funding to establish a circulating science kit collections program. Libraries should expect to use their own funds to maintain the circulating science kits for a number of years. Libraries that already have a circulating science kit collection are not eligible. The grant may fund any or all STEM subject areas. Breadth is encouraged but some electrical, electronics, and/or computer kits should be included.
January 15
The National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP) is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress (LC) to create a national digital resource of historically significant newspapers published between 1690 and 1963, from all the states and U.S. jurisdictions. This searchable database will be permanently maintained at LC and will be freely accessible online (see the Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers website). The accompanying US Newspaper Directory of bibliographic and holdings information on the website directs users to newspaper titles available in all types of formats. During the course of its partnership with NEH, LC will also digitize and contribute to the NDNP database a significant number of newspaper pages drawn from its own collections.January 15
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s principles of equality, liberty, and government by consent, the Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition program supports activities to preserve and improve access to primary source materials—including archival records; documents and rare publications; art and material culture; and photographs and sound recordings that document:- The history of American independence and establishment and/or expansion of the nation, including the experiences of states, territories, and communities—in the original colonies and beyond—joining the nation;
- The history of American government in federal, state, and local contexts, including the federal Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, state constitutions, governors’ papers, charter documents, court and legislative records, and other foundational documents.
January 20
The Stephen T. Riedner Grant for Life Enhancing Library Programs for People Living with Dementia presents a citation and a grant of $2,500 each to two libraries to support the creation of new services and/or new programming to directly serve those living with dementia. Applications that describe only existing services or programming are not eligible for this grant. The founder wishes to encourage institutional commitment to serving this population.
Application Opens: December 17
Application Closes: January 21
This program will award grants of $500 and $1,000 to support libraries in need. Specifically, grant funds will assist Friends of Library groups with priority projects. Additionally, in-kind book donation grants of $500 will be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles. To be eligible for a cash or in-kind grant, Friends groups must be in support of a rural/small U.S. library. Grants will be administered by United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, whose mission is to support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries. Grant funding is provided by Penguin Random House. In addition to a grant of $500 or $1,000, or a book donation grant, recipients will also receive complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries, including a year of access to United for Libraries Learning Live monthly webinars which present in-depth training to library Trustees/Board Members, Friends, Foundations, advocates, and those who work with them, and training on how to leverage the grant funds to build support for the library and the Friends group.February
February
February 1 (3:30 PM)
The AASL Innovative Reading Grant awards up to $2,500 to projects that support the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for K-9th learners which motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers.February 1 (3:30 PM)
The ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant is given to school library associations that are AASL Chapters for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional, or local levels. Possibilities include programs that:- Involve new members;
- Train on-going leaders;
- Prepare school librarians to be building or district level leaders;
- Encourage collaboration among organizations.
February 2
The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant is an annual grant to recognize, promote, and support innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members – be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations – to address issues for the betterment of the community. For the 2023-2024 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a community engagement project that focuses on community empowerment. This is the process of facilitating a populace to build capacity and collaborate to make important decisions about their communities.February 2
The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is an annual grant that recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming. This grant aims to help ease budget challenges by annually awarding three libraries $2,500 to support a proposed program, program series, or programming effort. For the 2023–2024 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a grant to support programming related to civic education. Some example proposals could include: 1) a program focused on voting (i.e. a book discussion on the history of voting, a program to register voters, an event teaching patrons about voting rights, etc.); 2) a program teaching media and/or information literacy skills to build an informed general public; or 3) a program relaying avenues for community advocacy, such as how to run for local office. All library types — including public, academic, K-12, tribal and special libraries are eligible. Applicants must have a personal or institutional membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.
February 3
Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by supporting on-going preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for preservation projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector. A small grant at the right time can go a long way and is often the catalyst that inspires a community to take action on a preservation project. Grants generally start at $2,500 and range up to $5,000.
Application Opens: January 14
Application Closes: February 14 (5 PM)
The Justice & Liberation fund provides financial resources to Black-led groups working on the frontlines of justice. Organizations selected will receive unrestricted, general operating support of $50,000 paid out over two years. These grants will advance and strengthen the Black movement ecosystem in Minnesota.Rolling Basis
Rolling Basis
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Foundation (BJFF) primarily provides funds to support education, art, and outreach programs and projects. In general, the foundation desires to support specific activities that result in a defined outcome rather than general operating funds or fundraising campaigns. While the foundation activities have historically been located in Indiana and Florida, requests from around the country will certainly be considered. All recipients must have a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. Applications may be submitted between April 1 and December 31 via our Online Grants Manager. They will be screened and evaluated upon receipt to determine eligibility. Organizations will be notified via email as to the status of their proposal. Grant funding is dispersed throughout the year.
The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization. Applications may be submitted at any time. Applications submitted by 10:59 PM CT on the last day of the month will be considered in the following month.
The mission of the Jan Stauber Grants is to provide needed financial assistance to persons and organizations developing literacy programs and other educational experiences that will introduce young people to Sherlock Holmes. Applications can be submitted at any time, and libraries can be awarded up to $1,000 for a project.
The Jeffris Family Foundation invites applications for grants from the Jeffris Heartland Fund, to support the development of important historic preservation projects in the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The decision to pursue a grant from the Jeffris Heartland Fund must be made in consultation with a Director of the Foundation to discuss your project and request a Jeffris Heartland Fund application form. Directors can also assist grant-seekers with the application process, provide related technical assistance to guide wise and constructive use of the grant funding, and administer grants once awarded. Applications, once invited, are accepted at any time. Award notices are issued within approximately 30 days of receipt of the application. Grants will be made in the range of $5,000 to $50,000 to cover 50% the cost of an Historic Structure Report, and must be matched dollar-for-dollar with cash from sources unrelated to the Jeffris Family.
The PFund Foundation offers event sponsorships for events, gatherings, conferences, and convenings serving a primarily LGBTQ+ audience. Sponsorship amounts typically range from $500 - $1,000 and organizations are limited to receiving one sponsorship per calendar year. Applications are reviewed on the last Monday of each month. After grants are reviewed, payment processing takes about 4 weeks. Please make sure to apply at least 60-days before your event date.
Through the Impact Library Program, Little Free Library provides free book exchanges where they can have a meaningful impact in the United States. The program aims to strengthen community ties, inspire readers, expand easy book access, positively influence literacy outcomes, and make Little Free Libraries available in high-need areas. Applications are reviewed monthly and applicants are notified by the end of the month after the month they applied.
The Arts & Culture program funds organizations across many artistic disciplines and cultural practices and support structures that equip and empower artists and culture bearers to practice, to produce, and to lead. This grant provides general operating (unrestricted) and specific program/project (restricted) grants to organizations, groups, and Tribal Nations primarily in Minnesota.
This program seeks to build vibrant and equitable communities for all Minnesotans by working to transform existing systems and create new ones that enable every resident, regardless of race, geography, or income, to have opportunities for upward economic mobility, individual and generational wealth building, access to stable, affordable housing, and an ability to meaningfully and fairly engage in civic and democratic processes. We provide operating and project grants to organizations in Minnesota. With very few exceptions, applicants must be classified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to be eligible for a grant. Government entities may apply for funding for innovative projects. However, we generally will not fund activities that are traditionally the sole responsibility of government.
Rolling basis through October 15, 2026, or until all funds have been expended
For organizations that work to create, celebrate, and teach the art, culture, and heritage of the many diverse cultural groups that make up Minnesota, including but not limited to Indigenous organizations, communities whose culture and heritage have been historically underrepresented, recent immigrant communities, and veterans. Emergency Response grants are to be used to assist communities responding to major events in Minnesota to:- Facilitate the process of grieving,
- Encourage healing,
- Create memorials, and/or
- Assist in recovery of the community.
Funded by the Minnesota Department of Health and carried out by the St. Paul Conservatory of Music, this program aims to improve student social-emotional health, enhance musical arts awareness, improve engagement in school, and increase community vitality through music. Students involved in the program will have an opportunity to engage in artistically excellent individual and group music instruction from St. Paul Conservatory of Music faculty.
The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund helps to build the capacity of existing preservation organizations and encourages collaboration among these organizations by providing grants for mentoring and other peer-to-peer and direct organizational development and learning opportunities. The purpose of these grants is to support the leadership and effectiveness of staff and board members of preservation organizations to fulfill their mission and to create a stronger, more effective preservation movement. By linking organizations with specific skills/programs to those seeking to develop similar abilities, the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund promotes individualized mentoring and the sharing of expertise. Valuable lessons can be learned from someone who has successfully navigated the same situation that an organization currently faces. Grants from the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund support travel costs and mentor honoraria with a maximum reimbursement of $2,500. Only Organizational Level Forum members or Main Street America members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation are eligible to apply for funding from the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund grant program. To learn more about Forum and join today, visit our website.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. More than 93,000 properties are listed in the National Register, representing 1.8 million contributing resources (e.g. buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects). When a property or district is placed on the National Register, the designation does not include funding for a plaque or sign. As a result, many do not have any signage. The Pomeroy Foundation bridges this gap to provide grants so public properties & historic districts can commemorate their placement and share this achievement with their community.
The Rural Technology Fund provides grants for Rural Technology Education projects and Assistive Technology projects. If you are interested in applying for funding to support your project, please review the grant types at the link below and be sure you submit to the correct application. Applications are reviewed and grants are awarded every 30-60 days, and there are no specific deadlines for applying. Grant are available to school and organizations operating in the United States.
Believe in Reading awards grants to existing and provably successful literacy programs. Organizations that have been designated as having tax exempt status according to the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3), or its equivalent for educational institutions, including public libraries, can apply. Believe in Reading will consider funding programs that serve any age or aspect of supporting reading and literacy, including adult literacy, English as a second language projects, or Braille related projects for the blind or visually impaired. Because addressing literacy is not a short-term process, Believe in Reading’s grants are renewable for up to a maximum of three years, but a first year award does not guarantee any subsequent awards. At this time, the maximum grant amount is $10,000, however the vast majority of grants awarded are for $3,000 or less. First time applicants will not be funded for more than $3,000.
Projects must be completed by 5/31/2026
Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) is the premier educational program by the Library of Congress. The TPS Midwest Region, which covers Minnesota, is managed by Illinois State University. The Midwest Region offers grants up to $25,000 to organizations interested in the Library's mission to engage all Americans with the use of primary source material. A successful grant application will include a thorough description of the intended project, its audience, and content, as well as be supported by a timeline of activities, budget, and narrative. Evaluators also look for management supports and a sustainability plan. TPS Regional directors make granting decisions within six weeks of submission.Report abuse