[aisle] ALA Grant offering

[Pres Elect]

Ala is offering grants to all types of libraries,  Check out the
information below to see if you could apply.

Hope everyone had a restful Spring Break.


CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) announced today it will
make available $1.25M in emergency relief grants to libraries that have
experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund invites public, school, academic, and
tribal libraries across the United States and US Territories to apply for
grants of $30,000 to $50,000. These funds are intended to bolster library
operations and services including broadening technology access, developing
collections, providing digital instruction, staffing, and expanding
outreach, as well as maintaining and amplifying existing service strategies
or adding new ones to extend impact through the end of 2021. Grant
applications are accepted online through May 20, 2021 via the ALA website
<http://www.ala.org/aboutala/ala-covid-library-relief-fund>.

The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund represents some of the most significant
grant opportunities available to libraries outside of federal funding.
Funds will support libraries' ability to provide their users with the
information services and digital access they need to retain or secure
socio-economic mobility during a time of shift and upheaval. Libraries
serving low income and rural communities, or communities that are
predominately Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and People of Color, are
especially encouraged to apply.

"Libraries have demonstrated extraordinary innovation over the past year in
creating new materials, program, and service delivery models, but they are
being asked to do more with less. This new grant program recognizes those
efforts and seeks to strengthen them, especially in communities where the
need is greatest. We are delighted to offer this grant program to bridge
the gap between what libraries have and what they and their users need to
thrive," said ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall. "This grant is just
the first part of a larger ALA effort to support libraries. In the coming
months, we will be announcing ambitious plans to raise additional funds to
support and sustain the vital work of libraries and library workers as they
tackle digital equity, supporting educational persistence, workforce
reskilling, and other pressing issues."

The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is generously supported by Acton Family
Giving as part of its pandemic responsive grantmaking. Initial seed funding
was provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation as part of its efforts to
bolster educational and cultural organizations devastated by the economic
fallout from COVID-19.

"Libraries are incredible community assets, especially during difficult
times," said ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. "Unfortunately, many
libraries have suffered funding cuts that have significantly impaired their
ability to provide services and resources at this critical time. We are so
grateful to The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Acton Family Giving for
their tremendous support and for understanding the valuable role libraries
play as inclusive institutions for all."

The application deadline is May 20, 2021, with awards announced at the end
of June.  Additional information and award guidelines are available on
the grant
application site <http://www.ala.org/aboutala/ala-covid-library-relief-fund>
.

ALA's Chapter Relations Office administers the ALA COVID Library Emergency
Relief Fund. Additional information regarding Chapter Relations is
available on our website <http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/cro>.

*About the American Library Association*
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national
organization providing resources to inspire library and information
professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and
services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for
academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for
the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring
access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

*About the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation*
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation's largest supporter of the
arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core
belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding.
The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express
our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence,
and freedom that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build
just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking,
where ideas and imagination can thrive.

*About Acton Family Giving*
Acton Family Giving supports distinct initiatives and collective efforts.
Its Empathy Building Initiative, launched in 2014, partners with
organizations building connections across difference and reaffirming our
common humanity. This work is rooted in the belief that an empathetic
society fosters stronger, healthier, and more just communities. Acton
Family Giving is part of the Wildcard Giving philanthropic family.


------------------------------
Julius Jefferson, Jr.
ALA President
------------------------------

Mary Jo Matousek
AISLE President-Elect 2020-2021
Preselect at Aisled.org
630-254-7770
Member of REAL(Real Active Energetic Librarian) Chapter
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