[Michlib-l] FW: ARSL Grant Opportunities Digest - May

[Reish, Karren (MDE)]

FYI for those who may not have seen these grant opportunities.

Karren Reish
Library Grants Coordinator
Library of Michigan
517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta<http://www.mi.gov/lsta>
From: arsl at memberclicks-mail.net<mailto:arsl at memberclicks-mail.net> <arsl at memberclicks-mail.net<mailto:arsl at memberclicks-mail.net>>
Subject: ARSL Grant Opportunities Digest - May


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ARSL Grant Opportunities Digest


Disclaimer: These grants have been reviewed by ARSL for applicability for rural and small libraries. Information is provided by 3rd party organizations and subject to change without notice. Always review the grantor's website to ensure full understanding of grant requirements, obligations, and deadlines before applying.



Available Grants

Little Free Library - Impact Grant Program


Important Dates:
All applications received March 1st and later will be reviewed beginning in June.

Geographic Scope:
Library location and shipping address must be in the United States or Canada.

Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis:
Through the Impact Library Program, Little Free Library book exchanges are provided to communities where books are scarce. Little Free Library book exchanges are an excellent vehicle for areas without easy access to books.



What is included?

  *   A fully-assembled composite library (made with recycled plastic)
  *   A charter sign (English, English-Spanish bilingual, or English-French bilingual)
  *   A wooden post kit for installation (includes hardware and instructions)
  *   A set of three wooden panels, finished for extra water protection, ready to be painted or decorated for additional customization of your library
  *   A starter set of diverse books
  *   A Steward's Guide booklet
  *   Paid shipping costs

Application Requirements:
Brief application which includes contact Information, community information, expected community impact and any prior experience with Little Free Libraries.

Reporting Requirements:
Attach all LFL signs included.  Set up a steward account and complete the library registration including adding the library's location and photo to the Little Free Library world map. Maintain the library and fill it with books for at least one year. Hold one or more community activities or events in the first year. Submit a photo and story about the impact of the library after installation and tag the Little Free Library on social media.

[Grant Information]

[Little Free Library Grant Application]



Kubota Hometown Proud 2025


Important Dates:
Deadline May 9th



Geographic Scope:
Kubota geography encompassing the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, & Southern States

Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis:
Now in its 5th year, the Kubota Hometown Proud grant program has helped fund various projects across the country, from building agricultural education centers, technical programs, building restorations and revitalizing community garden and greenspaces in support of initiatives that make a lasting impact on a local level.

Kubota's Hometown Proud community grant program will invest in communities across the country by awarding 10 grants in 2025. Each grant is valued at $50,000 (includes $25,000 cash and $25,000 equipment voucher). Kubota will announce the 10 winning hometown projects on September 1, 2025.

Application Requirements:
Submit an application and short (under 2 minute) video on your project prior to the May 9 deadline in order to be considered.

Reporting Requirements:
None listed

[Kubota Grant Information & Application]



Umpqua Bank Community Grant Program


Important Dates:
June 9th



Geographic Scope:
The Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in the communities the Bank serves in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis:
The Foundation is committed to improving economic prosperity, especially for under-resourced individuals, families, and small businesses. Healthy Communities grants of $5,000-10,000 are available for projects focusing on access to sports and recreation; arts and culture; education (early learning, K-12, and post-secondary); fundamental needs (community health, food, and shelter); mental and physical healthcare; pet welfare; and, public services support (support for libraries, parks, community centers, etc.).

Funds can be used for direct-service programming and general operating support.
Eligible programs must serve a majority low-to-moderate income (LMI) population.

Application Requirements:
Online portal application which includes contact Information, specific library information, demographics, volunteer activities, budget and narrative of the grant funding need.

Reporting Requirements:
Besides a payment receipt email, the Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation does not currently require formal reporting for Community Grant recipients. We encourage nonprofit organizations to include program successes in their applications so that we can see the long-term effectiveness of your program when you submit future grant applications.

[Grant Information]

[Umpqua Grant Application]



T-Mobile Hometown Grants


Important Dates:
Next round closes June 30th.
Applications will be open quarterly with the following schedule: Spring Applications open January-March; Summer Applications open April-June; Fall Applications open July-September; and Winter Applications open October-December.



Geographic Scope:
Small U.S. Towns. The project must be located in towns with less than 50,000 people and should provide a community benefit where it might otherwise be difficult to secure funding.



Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis:
T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through 2026 to support small towns, villages, and territories across America by funding community projects to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program funds projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. Projects should be shovel-ready, physical builds or improvements that can be completed within 12 months of receiving Hometown Grants funding.

Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to adaptive uses of older and historic buildings into community gathering spaces, improvements to outdoor parks or trails, and technology projects for the public library. Funds may not be used for engineering and architectural plans or fees, salaries or annual operating expenses, or reimbursement for projects that have already been completed.

Application Requirements:
3-5 page proposal must include plans, budget, timeline, anticipated impact, and up to five letters of support.

Reporting Requirements:
Selected winners will provide status updates on their projects at 6 and 12 months. Plans must be able to be executed within 12 months of receiving funds.

[Grant Information]

[T-Mobile Grant Application]



Tocker Foundation Library Grants


Important Dates:
June grant cycle application deadline is June 1st with notifications typically going out in early-mid August.
January grant cycle application deadline is January 15th with notifications going out in mid-late March.

Geographic Scope:
Rural libraries in Texas

Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis:
The Tocker Foundation is dedicated to the support of rural, public libraries in Texas serving populations of 12,000 or less. The Foundation's biannual General Library Grant program focuses on enhancing public library services. Past grants have supported collection development, technology and equipment upgrades, new programming, and other projects initiated by the community's patrons. The Transformation Grant program helps libraries rethink and recreate space for today's uses by pairing the library's staff and leadership with an architect. Interested applicants for both programs must first contact the Foundation staff. (Automation Grant and Newspaper Digitization Grant applications are accepted throughout the year.)

Application Requirements:
Brief application which includes contact Information, specific library information, budget and narrative of the grant funding need.

Reporting Requirements:
One grant project report due one year from the date the grant was awarded.

[Grant Information]

[Tocker Foundation Grant Application]



IMLS Termination Information

ALA Federal Grant Steps


If your library has received notice of federal funding termination, ALA has compiled key steps to help you respond.
This resource includes legal and advocacy guidance to help libraries navigate politically motivated cancellations and protect vital community services.

[View Advice on Federal Grant Cancellations]



No Shhh... It's the TRL Podcast | Ep. 15 - Understanding the Impacts of IMLS Funding Cuts


Chris and Anna Lisa are joined by Washington State Librarian Sara Jones to discuss the impacts nationally and at a state level following the IMLS funding cut announcements with discussions on how rural libraries may be impacted.

[Watch the Podcast - Youtube]

[Listen to the Podcast - Spotify]



Fundraising Resources

United for Libraries and Penguin Random House U.S. Rural and Small Libraries


Free training opportunities open to U.S. rural/small libraries and Friends groups in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Register to re-watch the training for free.

Starting a Friends of the Library Group
Friends of the Library groups fundraise and advocate for the library, as well as increase community support. Learn how to begin the process of starting or restarting a Friends of the Library group. Learn how to organize, recruit volunteers, pursue 501(c)(3) status, and develop a memorandum of understanding with the library.

Grant Writing Basics for Small/Rural Libraries and/or Friends Groups
Friends of the Library can secure funding for the library by applying for grants. Learn how small and/or rural libraries can get started with grant writing, including identifying grant opportunities, customizing applications, working with library staff, and crafting a narrative.

[United for Libraries & Penguin Random House Resource Page]



Community Foundation Locator


Find community foundations that provide grant funding in your area by searching the Council of Foundation's locator map.

[Locator Map]



Campaign Counsel


Helping nonprofits across the U.S. reach their fundraising goals, CampaignCounsel.org offers customized capital campaign services, strategic planning, and a wide range of free expert resources.

[Campaign Counsel]



10-year Survey of Rural Challenges


The Survey of Rural Challenges discovers what rural people say their issues and assets are, updated every other year with SmallBizSurvival. SaveYour.Town<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/db006825-4215-4fe2-a098-5d75e0306bf9/21> provides practical steps to help you shape a brighter future for your small town or rural community, no matter how small. We specialize in low or no cost solutions, ones that will work in even the tiniest of towns. Discover our Tour of Empty Buildings, Empty Lot Economic Development and Cheap Downtown Placemaking Ideas, through our short videos, longer courses and detailed toolkits.

[View the Survey Here]


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Contact Info:

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries

PO BOX 33731, Seattle, WA, 98133

(206) 453-3579

info at arsl.org<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/db006825-4215-4fe2-a098-5d75e0306bf9/23>

Connect with Us!
[Facebook]
[Instagram]
[LinkedIn]

________________________________
The Association for Rural & Small Libraries * PO Box 33731, Seattle, Washington 98133, United States * 206-453-3579<tel:206-453-3579>
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