NMLA Continuing Education Grants

To promote professional development, NMLA through the Continuing Education Fund, supports requests to attend workshops, conferences, and related activities. Awards are made on the basis of financial need.

Grant: Any amount up to $200.

Application: Applicants must be a member of the New Mexico Library Association. Click here for a copy of the application form. A copy of the workshop brochure, conference agenda or registration form should accompany the completed application form.

NMLA's Marion Dorroh Memorial Scholarship

$2,500 for study toward an advanced degree at an ALA-accredited library school. The grant is awarded each year at the spring NMLA conference.

Qualifications: Applicant must show proof that they have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited school as a full or part-time student.

Criteria: The primary considerations in selecting the scholarship recipient will be scholarship and potential contributions to the profession in New Mexico. Preference will be given to applicants who are New Mexico residents and are members of NMLA.

Applications: The Education Committee Chair must receive the following items: application form; resume; one-page statement of professional goals; transcripts from all post-high school work (copies acceptable); and three letters of reference, at least one of which is from a librarian. Please print out the application and fill it out to complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

NMLA College Scholarship Fund

A maximum of $1,500 for undergraduate college work towards an associate's degree in Library Science which leads to certification or undergraduate or graduate study toward school librarian endorsement.

CRITERIA:
a. Completed application form, including a written statement of goals and needs submitted to the current chair of the Education Committee.
b. Application requires proof of acceptance into a college program or in case of applicants who have completed college courses, an official transcript.
c. New Mexico residency.

Preference will be given to those currently employed in a New Mexico library and to members of the New Mexico Library Association.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the CarMax Foundation have announced the launch of the new UMADD Web site, and the availability of mini-grants for community-based groups committed to preventing underage drinking, binge drinking, and drunk-driving on America's college campuses.

Mini-grants are available to UMADD student-groups; new groups who have applied to become a UMADD group; active student groups; approved students; campus or community law enforcement working on college-related initiatives; campus/community partnerships working on college-related initiatives; and faculty, including alcohol, tobacco and other drug or campus prevention coordinators. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Although first priority will be given to applicants pursuing UMADD-specific projects, other ideas will be considered based on merit.

When applying for a mini-grant, applicants will be required to create a project timeline, including major goals and objectives; select a project focus (e.g., underage/binge drinking or drunk driving); and submit a complete budget.

The CarMax Foundation has provided $20,000 to fund the mini-grants. The maximum grant amount is $500.

Visit the UMADD Web site for complete mini-grant program information and an application form.

Reader's Digest Foundation to Donate $1 Million Based on Inspiring Stories from the Public

The Reader's Digest Foundation has announced that it will donate a total of $1 million to non-profit organizations through a new initiative called "Make it Matter."

Grants will be inspired by individuals who are taking action and giving back to their communities in significant ways. Every month, the foundation will select one individual's story of good deeds done and grant $100,000 to a nonprofit organization in honor of that individual. Reader's Digest magazine will then feature that person in its new column, "Make it Matter."

Submissions for "Make it Matter" will be accepted by the foundation on a rolling basis throughout 2008.

To learn more about the program and submitting a story, visit the foundation's Web site

Share Our Strength is seeking grant proposals for the Great American Bake Sale 2008

The Great American Bake Sale grants program will support efforts to increase participation among low-income children in summer and afterschool meal programs. Share Our Strength is specifically interested in increasing participation in meal programs that utilize USDA reimbursement through the Summer Food Service Program, National School Lunch Program, or Child and Adult Care Food Program. Nonprofit organizations that work to increase the number of children that receive nutritious afterschool and summer meals may be eligible to apply for funds raised through the Great American Bake Sale.

Two types of grants will be offered:

Grants for Program Sponsors: Grants will be awarded to organizations that directly sponsor USDA-reimbursed afterschool and/or summer meal programs for children. Grants will specifically support efforts to increase participation in the organization's USDA summer and afterschool meal programs. Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000 each.

Grants for Advocacy: Grants will be awarded to organizations that work to increase participation in USDA-reimbursed after-school and summer meal programs through outreach and advocacy. Organizations engage in advocacy when they work with schools, community organizations, local businesses, and with a range of government officials to increase participation in summer and afterschool meal programs. Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000 each.

Grants will only be provided to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools with a valid NCES code, or local government entities that work to ensure children have access to afterschool and summer meal programs.

Visit the Great American Bake Sale Web site for complete program guidelines.

Library of Congress' Teaching With Primary Sources Program Accepting Proposals

The Library of Congress' educational outreach program, Teaching with Primary Sources, is expanding across the United States.

The mission of the Teaching with Primary Sources program is to build a consortium that fosters collaborations between the Library of Congress and the educational community to increase instructional use of Library of Congress digital primary sources within K-12 classrooms. The program contributes to the quality of education by deepening content understanding and improving student literacy in America's schools.

Proposals from $5,000 to $15,000 each will be considered and are accepted on a rolling basis. Preference will be given to proposals that have the most potential for being integrated into K-12 classrooms for the long term.

Visit the TPS Web site for further program information and application procedures.

Target Stores Accepting Applications for Local Store Grants Program

Target Corporation's Local Store Grants provide funding support to "Target" communities in the areas of arts, reading programs, and family violence prevention.

To be eligible, organizations must be located in communities where Target does business. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, libraries, or public agencies for nonprofit programs that impact arts, early childhood reading, or family violence prevention. Arts grants are awarded to programs that bring the arts to schools or make the arts accessible to children and families. Early childhood reading grants support programs that foster a love of reading and encourage children, from birth through age nine, to read together with their families. Family violence prevention grants support programs that strengthen families and communities by keeping them safe.

Support will be awarded for projects or programs. The average grant amount is between $1,000 and $3,000.

For communities offering unique opportunities outside the scope of the program's focus areas, Target provides each store limited funds for Target GiftCard donations. GiftCard donations are available March through December, as funding permits.

Visit the Target Web site for complete program information.

Young People Invited to Submit Earth-Saving Ideas for Lorax Challenge

Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Ashoka's Youth Venture ( http://genv.net/ ), in partnership with Earth Island Institute ( http://earthisland.org/ ), have announced the Lorax Challenge, an opportunity for people between the ages of 12 and 20 across the United States to turn their ideas for helping to save the planet into reality.

The challenge invites teams of young people to create action plans for their earth-saving ideas.

To be considered for the Lorax grant, a venture team must be youth-created, -led, and -managed; be community-benefiting; be structured as a lasting organization (meaning not just a one-time event, but rather an ongoing entity such as a new school club, a business, or a new community organization); involve a strong team (meaning at least two people) with clear, attainable goals and budget and the commitment to lead their venture; and have at least one "Ally" -- a supportive adult who guides and encourages the team.

Selected teams will receive funding of up to $1,000 each to turn their ideas into a reality. In addition, five grand-prize winners will receive a free trip to the University of Florida for a weekend of activities, learning, and fun. (Please note that only high school students are eligible for the Grand Prize.)

Dollar General Accepting Applications for Back-to-School Literacy Grants Program

The Dollar General Back-to-School Grants program provides funding to assist elementary, middle, and high schools in meeting some of the financial challenges they face in implementing new programs or purchasing new equipment, materials, or software for their school library or literacy program.

In order to be eligible, schools must be located in Dollar's 35-state operating territory and must be within twenty miles of the nearest Dollar General Store. (A store locator is available online at: http://www.dollargeneral.com/OurStores/Pages/StoreLocator.aspx.)

Funds must be used to enhance or expand the school's library, media center, or literacy programs. Programs or projects may target new readers, below-grade-level readers, readers with learning disabilities, or general literacy. Submissions will be judged based on creativity, statement of need, and use of funds.

Grants will range up to a maximum of $5,000 each.

Complete program information and application instructions are available at the Dollar General Web site.

L'Oreal Paris Celebrates Community Achievement and Volunteerism With Annual Women of Worth Program

L'Oreal Paris has announced that it will continue to recognize and support women who actively serve others in their communities with its third annual Women of Worth grassroots awards program. The initiative honors and awards women from across the United States for their inspiring volunteer work and community enrichment initiatives.

This year, ten Women of Worth honorees will each receive $5,000 for their nonprofit causes and a $5,000 donation will be made on their behalf benefiting ovarian cancer research and awareness initiatives, the philanthropy of record for L'Oreal Paris. In addition, one National Honoree will be chosen via a public vote this fall on the Women of Worth Web site and will receive a $25,000 donation to her nonprofit organization. To date, the L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth initiative has recognized twenty women nationwide for their outstanding commitment to their causes -- ranging from improving literacy, to protecting the environment, to raising awareness of female health issues.

To be eligible, a nominee must be a woman 18 years of age or older; have a record of exemplary service within her community and the community at large; be able to demonstrate the impact of her work within her community; be aspirational and inspirational to others; demonstrate commitment to her cause; exemplify leadership; and be non-compensated.

Visit the Women of Worth Web site for complete program information and to submit a nomination.

Bank of America Accepting Applications for Neighborhood Builders and Local Heroes Programs

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation ( http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation ) Neighborhood Excellence Initiative is designed to recognize, nurture, and reward community organizations, local heroes, and student leaders who are helping their neighborhoods achieve excellence. The program makes grants and awards in forty-four U.S.markets as well as London, England.

The Neighborhood Excellence Initiative is accepting applications/nominations for the following programs:

Neighborhood Builders: Provides $200,000 in core operating support and leadership training over two years to two nonprofit organizations working in each identified community to promote vibrant neighborhoods. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating in an applicable Bank of America community that is eligible for a grant under the Bank of America Charitable Foundation's guidelines can apply. (Applicant must be registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales for the London market.) The program seeks organizations whose focus closely reflects local neighborhood priorities such as health and human services, education, community development, or arts and culture. Applicants should demonstrate how they have impacted their community and how grant funding and leadership development opportunities will help their organization further its work in the community.

Local Heroes: Recognizes and honors five heroes per year in each of the selected communities whose achievements and leadership on local issues contribute significantly to neighborhood vitality. Successful nominations will demonstrate how a nominee has made a special and significant impact on individuals, families, or the community at large; inspired others to community service; or been a catalyst for new visions, understanding, and change in a community. Recipients will each be able to direct a $5,000 award to an eligible nonprofit of their choice. Self-nominations are accepted.

To learn more about the initiative, eligible communities, and identified community priorities, or to apply online, please visit the Bank of America Foundation Web site.

American Library Association Announces Outreach Grant Program for Federal Writers' Project Documentary

The American Library Association, in partnership with Spark Media, a Washington, D.C.-based production and outreach company, has announced an innovative library outreach program to enhance and increase the nationwide impact of Spark Media's documentary film, "Soul of a People: Voices from the Writers' Project." Major funding for the program has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The film and library outreach program is designed to acquaint public, academic, and special library audiences with the story of the largest cultural experiment in U.S. history -- the Federal Writers' Project of the Works Progress Administration -- told against the backdrop of the Depression and 1930s America.

Following an application process, thirty libraries will be selected to receive a $2,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to present five different public outreach programs during the period of the national broadcast of "Soul of a People" in the Spring of 2009. The grants will be used for scholar honoraria, book purchases, publicity, and other program-associated costs. Libraries will be asked to enlist from a local college or university a lead project scholar with expertise in American history, the WPA, and/or the WPA era to help present and plan programs, ensure that program content conveys the intended humanities themes, and work with local media and other partners in planning.

Librarians applying for "Soul of a People" grants must register their institution at Grants.gov ( http://www.grants.gov/ ). Prospective applicants are advised to register with Grants.gov as soon as possible, since the process can take up to two weeks to complete.

The application and guidelines for "Soul of a People" and complete instructions for registering and applying through Grants.gov may be found at the ALA Web site.

Mattel Announces Continuation of Grant Program to Benefit Children

Mattel and the Mattel Children's Foundation ( http://www.mattel.com/about_us/philanthropy/ci_mcf_philanthropy_ mattelFoundation.asp ) have announced they will continue the Mattel Domestic Grantmaking Program, which provides funding for organizations benefiting children in the United States.

Mattel's funding priorities include: programs that directly and effectively impact children with demonstrated needs (physical, financial, emotional, and health-related); preferences to programs with demonstrated results; and organizations that use creative and innovative methods to address a locally defined need directly impacting children. Preference will be given to organizations or programs that align with Mattel's philanthropic priorities: Learning -- Increasing access to education for under-served children and, in particular, innovative strategies to promote and address literacy; Health -- Supporting the health and well-being of children, with particular emphasis on promoting healthy, active lifestyles; and Girl Empowerment -- Promoting self-esteem in young girls, up to age 12.

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity organizations (or have a fiscal sponsor with tax-exempt status) and must directly serve children in communities within the U.S.

Grants will range from $5,000 to $25,000 each for one fiscal year. Funds may be applied to programs or general operating costs.

Visit the Mattel Web site for complete program guidelines, online eligibility quiz, and grant application.

Western Union Foundation Funds Efforts to Help Empower Migrant Families and Alleviate Poverty

Deadline: September 1, 2008 (Letters of Inquiry)

The Western Union Foundation ( http://corporate.westernunion.com/wu_foundation.html ), the charitable organization of Western Union ( http://corporate.westernunion.com ), supports philanthropic initiatives worldwide.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations working to serve migrant and immigrant populations, and NGOs operating in the developing world that help alleviate poverty and provide economic development programs are eligible to apply for funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and nongovernmental organizations outside the United States.

The foundation's three primary focus areas are as follows:

1) Creating Pathways to Opportunity -- Programs that allow individuals to have better access to educational opportunities and economic development programs. Activities may include job training, life skills education, computer education, and financial literacy

2) Supporting Cultural Inclusion -- Programs that help individuals integrate into their new communities. Activities may include language acquisition courses, civic engagement education, and community development programs assisting with the transition into a new community.

3) Fostering Hope in the Developing World -- Programs that provide basic human services to communities in developing countries. Activities may include infrastructure improvement (access to clean water, housing, etc.), economic development, or access to technology.

See the Western Union Web site for complete funding guidelines and application procedures.

A Room Of Her Own Foundation is dedicated to helping women artists achieve the privacy and financial support necessary to pursue their art. To this end, the foundation annually provides an award of $50,000 to a woman writer.

The foundation's 2009 Literary Gift of Freedom Award will be given to an American woman writer who is a U.S. citizen and will be living in the U.S. during the grant period.

Acceptable genres for this grant are poetry, playwriting, creative nonfiction, and fiction.

Visit the foundation's Web site for complete program guidelines. (Please note: The program requires an application fee.)