Grants

Investing in libraries and library workers by providing funding and material support for library programs, research, professional development, and more.
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ALA Grants

Each year, ALA and its member units award a variety of grants to provide funding or material support for current and future activities. Grants support the planning and implementation of programs, aid in the preparation of a dissertation or other publications, and promote research in library and information sciences.

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Historic ALA Grants

ALA has a long history of providing grants to support libraries and library-related initiatives across the United States. Although these Historic ALA Grants are no longer offered, they have played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of libraries in America, fostering innovation, promoting literacy, and ensuring access to information for all members of society.

Upcoming grant opportunities

State library and school library association chapters and state library agencies are encouraged to apply to receive a $10,000 grant to establish or bolster a statewide Intellectual Freedom Helpline.

Deadline: July 14, 2024

The Frances Henne Research Grant annually provides $1,000 in seed money for small scale research or action research projects that respond to the YALSA Research Agenda. This grant is administered by YALSA.

Deadline: December 1, 2024

Travel grants will be awarded annually to five black/African American youth/teen services public or school librarians for the purpose of attending the ALA Annual conference.

Application opens: September 1, 2024

Latest ALA Grant News

“The First Amendment and the Freedom to Read” receives AASL Roald Dahl's Miss Honey Social Justice Award

“The First Amendment and the Freedom to Read” project from Townsend Harris High School in Flushing, New York, is the recipient of the 2024 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Roald Dahl's Miss Honey Social Justice Award. Sponsored by Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House, the Roald Dahl Award recognizes collaboration between school librarians and teachers in the instruction of social justice using school library resources.

Wendy Gassaway receives AASL Innovative Reading Grant

Wendy Gassaway, school librarian at Alder Elementary School in Portland, Oregon, is the recipient of the 2024 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Innovative Reading Grant. Sponsored by Capstone, the $2,500 grant supports the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for children that motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers.

Grant-Writing Resources from ALA Editions

Combining easy‐to‐understand advice with a toolkit of practical worksheets and checklists, this book offers a proven, immediately applicable method for success that will enable libraries to find the funding and resources they need.

By lifting the veil on the mysteries of grantseeking, this book will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to create fundable grant proposals.

Using this guide, librarians, fundraisers, and researchers will find quick, convenient access to information on the most likely funding sources for libraries.

A practical and comprehensive manual that guides you through grant fundamentals.

Frequently asked questions