LibGuides: Resources for Public Libraries: Resources

Below is a partial listing of some of our most recent books (published 2014 and after) on grant and proposal writing. All are available for checkout through APLS and ILL. For additional materials, please search our online catalog. Should you need assistance, have any questions, or would like to suggest or request the purchase of any items, please contact us for assistance.

40+ New Revenue Sources for Libraries and Nonprofits by Edmund A. Rossman
Call Number: 025.1109 ROS
ISBN: 9780838914380
Publication Date: 2016-07-01
The ALA Book of Library Grant Money by Nancy Kilikow Maxwell (Editor)
Call Number: 021 ALA
ISBN: 9780838912119
Publication Date: 2014-01-01
Collaborative Grant-Seeking by Bess G. de Farber
ISBN: 9781442263277
Publication Date: 2016-05-08
Crowdsource Your Library, Engage Your Community by Sara A. Fiore
ISBN: 9781440861116
Publication Date: 2018-09-24
Funded! by Richard Hoefer
ISBN: 9780190681876
Publication Date: 2017-06-30
Go Get That Grant! by Gail M. Staines
Call Number: https://evergreen.apls.state.al.us/eg/staff/cat/catalog/record/239185
ISBN: 9781442270275
Publication Date: 2016-07-08
Grant Writing for Dummies® by Consumer Dummies Staff; Beverly A. Browning
Call Number: 658.1522 BRO
ISBN: 9781118834664
Publication Date: 2014-03-31
Models of Proposal Planning and Writing by Jeremy T. Miner; Kelly C. Ball-Stahl
Call Number: 658.1522 MIN
ISBN: 9781440833892
Publication Date: 2016-05-09
The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need by Ellen Karsh; Arlen Sue Fox
ISBN: 9781541617810
Publication Date: 2019-11-05
Researching Prospective Donors by Susan Summerfield Hammerman
Call Number: 025.1109 HAM
ISBN: 9780838912294
Publication Date: 2014-06-01
The Small Library Manager's Handbook by Alice Graves
Call Number: 025.1 SMA
ISBN: 9781442239876
Publication Date: 2014-10-16
Winning Grants by Pamela H. MacKellar; Stephanie K. Gerding
ISBN: 9780838914731
Publication Date: 2016-11-08

The links below are to a few of the most used online guides for writing grants and proposals.

Elements of a Good Grant Proposal
Brief overview of best practices for grant proposals from WebJunction.
Grants.gov Community Blog
A collection of links, message boards, FAQs, best practices, and guides for writing grants, particularly government. A free site (though it does contain advertisements for commercial grant related services and workshops).
The Grantsmanship Center
Expansive coverage of grant writing training. Also features helpful "quick resources" for grant writers. Some information is available through paid subscription only.
GuideStar
GuideStar is the world's largest source of information on nonprofits. Users can research potential donors by searching for their 990 information.
Writing Grant Applications
Tips to help make your ALA Public Programs Office grant application competitive. While specifically for ALA grants, the information in this short document is applicable to other grants.

Grants for Libraries
APLS' grants overview presentation.

Following are a few government agencies and private foundations that have provided grants to libraries and non-profits. There are several pay databases available for more specialized and exhaustive searching. Tech Soup often has grant search database access for sale to libraries at very reduced prices.

Alabama Giving
Alabama Giving is an association of grantmaking organizations that works to increase, promote and encourage philanthropy by helping its members share knowledge, collaborate and advocate to improve conditions in Alabama. Features a directory of community foundations in Alabama by counties/cities served.
Alabama Humanities Foundation
AHF awards grants to support public humanities projects. Grants accommodate a broad range of topics and formats. Grant applications for library patrons are encouraged.
Alabama Public Library Service
APLS administers the state's competitive LSTA grants program. All state aid-compliant Alabama public libraries are eligible to apply for grants to fund an array of projects and services to diverse populations. Contains all necessary forms, deadlines, rules, evaluation criteria, and other helpful documents for potential applicants.
Alabama State Council on the Arts
A state agency dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of Alabamians by providing grant funding and support for the state's artistic resources.
ALA Grants
Browse awards, grants, fellowships, and scholarships available through American Library Association.
Candid.org
One-stop shop for fundraising sources and training. Grantmakers are searchable by name, state, and ZIP code.
Demco Free Grant Search
Our free grant. database allows you to search for current available grants without the cost of an expensive subscription. We invite you to use it as much as possible to find the right funds for your library or organization. The database is updated regularly so please check back frequently for additional opportunities.
The Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation donates more than $370 million per year, including $75 million earmarked for institutions to assist the cultural and social legacies of African-Americans in the United States South.
Grants.gov
Federal grant resource featuring training and a robust search feature.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Grants available through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Includes grants like National Leadership Grants for Libraries and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
Library Grants
Routinely updated with library grants. Recommended resource by Winning Grants: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians.
National Endowment for the Arts
NEA provides grant funding to individuals and organizations for new and existing projects that promote artistic expression and the arts and thereby strengthen our communities.
National Endowment for the Humanities
NEH typically awards grants to cultural institutions, including libraries, that strengthen teaching and learning in schools and colleges, facilitate research and original scholarship, provide opportunities for lifelong learning, preserve and provide access to cultural and educational resources, and strengthen the institutional base of the humanities.
National Institute of Health
The NIH provides financial support in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to support the advancement of the NIH mission to enhance health, extend healthy lives, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. Provides links to funding opportunities, grants policy and guidance, awards data, and receipt dates. Each type of NIH grant program has its own set of eligibility requirements.
SAM.gov
The official U.S. government website for people who make, receive, and manage federal awards.
Scholastic Library Grants
Lists grants from various organizations. Includes application deadline and links to grantmaker websites.
TLC Delivers
Your library may be eligible for grant funding to assist with the cost of a new TLC automation system. Finding and applying for appropriate grants can be a daunting process, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
US Department of Education
Features competitive grants for individuals, local education agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations or agencies. Filterable by award eligibility.
Visualizing Funding for Libraries
A Foundation Center and Knight Foundation collaboration to connect grantmakers and libraries. Provides a data tool to help libraries find grantmakers and capacity building training to help libraries thrive.

Books that are on order but not yet received. Please contact us with any requests or suggestions for additional titles or topics you would like to see added to our collection.

Successful Grant Writing for Health and Human Service Professionals, Fifth Edition by Laura Gitlin; Ann Kolanowski; Kevin J. Lyons
ISBN: 9780826148032
Publication Date: 2020-05-28
The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing by Holly Rustick
ISBN: 9780998982069
Publication Date: 2019-11-24

Resources for Public Libraries

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