ALA invites library workers to apply for the Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, an annual grant supporting innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries.
Applications will be accepted between Dec. 1, 2020, and Feb. 5, 2021. View the full award guidelines and apply online at www.ala.org/LTCEG.
The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant recognizes, promotes and supports innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. It provides $2,000 for a school, public, academic, tribal or special library to expand its community engagement efforts.
Each year, the grant focuses on supporting a community engagement project with a specific theme. For the 2020–2021 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a community engagement project that focuses on anti-racism.
Visit the grant guidelines for resources on anti-racist theory and practices.
Libraries are invited to apply by designing and outlining activities for a library-led community engagement project. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members – be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations – to address issues for the betterment of the community.
Project activities to be covered by the grant may include developing community engagement programs and services; partnering with a community agency that builds the capacity of the community to address an important concern/issue; or creating a program or event that connects the library to a community-identified aspiration or concern.
The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant was made possible by former ALA president and longtime generous supporter Nancy Kranich, with additional contributions raised by solicitations and a matching opportunity in 2017.
The grant is part of Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC), ALA’s community engagement initiative. Since 2014, LTC has reimagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types, from across the country, have utilized the free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a safe space for residents to come together to discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.
