GRANTS for SELS MEMBER LIBRARIES

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.  

Interested libraries should submit a letter of interest (maximum 750 words) by December 2, 2025 to:

📩 Ashley Dress, SELS Librarian for School Media Centers
📧 andress@selco.info

Your letter of interest should:

• Describe the community challenge your project will address.

• Explain the desired outcomes or changes you hope to achieve.

• Identify any partners who will collaborate on the project.

• Outline how success will be measured.

• Provide amount requested and what the funds will be spent on.