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Outreach Services: Outreach Mini-Grants & DEI Micro-Grants

The application period for 2024 is now open. Applications are due by August 30, 2024. 

The STLS Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Committee (COSAC) provides grants to enable members to strengthen services to targeted outreach populations.

Applications must be for projects serving:

  • People who are Blind or who have a Physical Disability
  • Seniors
  • People who have a Developmental or Learning Disability
  • People living in Institutionalized Settings
  • Members of Ethnic or Minority Groups in need of special services
  • People who are Educationally Disadvantaged
  • People who are Unemployed or Underemployed
  • People who are Geographically Isolated
  • At risk youth from birth to age 21

Outreach Mini-Grants are designed to fund pilot projects for the implementation or expansion of local library services to outreach populations and to support libraries in working with populations that may not currently be using library services.

Libraries may apply for a grant ranging from $200 to $1,000. Grant funds may be used for such expenses as programmer fees, supplies, publicity, or library materials. Grant funds may not be used to replace operational funds, pay library staff salaries, or for library construction.

Member libraries may apply for both Outreach Mini-Grants and DEI Micro-Grants in the same year, but they must apply for funding for different projects for each opportunity.

 

Please contact Keturah Cappadonia with any questions.

 

The application period for 2024 is now open. Applications are due by September 30, 2024. 

The Southern Tier Library System recognizes there are inequities within our communities, and we have a professional responsibility to strengthen humanity.

These funding opportunities are designed to advance equity and inclusion work of STLS member libraries and will enable member libraries to move beyond words by investing in and supporting the people doing the work. Projects selected for funding should aim to:

  • identify barriers in libraries and solutions to eliminate them
  • develop ideas and programs to increase awareness about systemic racism, discrimination, and bias
  • facilitate community-wide discussion about equity and inclusion

Examples of funded projects could include:

  • promoting equity in library collections through audits, weeding, and inclusive collection development
  • developing accessible library collections and programs for individuals with disabilities
  • developing responsive collections and programs for LGBTQ+ patrons of all ages
  • community conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion 
  • anti-racism programming and training
  • multicultural and heritage programming

Libraries may apply for a grant in the amount of $500. Grant funds may be used for such expenses as programmer fees, supplies, publicity, or library materials. Grant funds may not be used to replace operational funds, pay library staff salaries, or for library construction.

Member libraries may apply for both Outreach Mini-Grants and DEI Micro-Grants in the same year, but they must apply for funding for different projects for each opportunity.

 

Please contact Keturah Cappadonia with any questions.