The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund

The Library Fund was established by a donor to support projects and activities that increase literacy, information literacy and information access for Marion County residents. The Library Fund is a field of interest fund of The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate.

Eligible libraries include the Indianapolis Public Library; libraries at IUPUI, Marian University, and University of Indianapolis; and any high school library in Marion County.

The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund has three primary grant programs—Competitive Grants, Media Center Enhancement Grants, and Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Grants.

COMPETITIVE GRANTS

The Library Fund accepts general applications twice a year to support innovative programs. Past examples include bilingual story times for immigrant families; digitization projects that make archival collections accessible and relevant; and the creation of a gaming lab within a high school library.

Eligible libraries in Marion County

Eligible libraries in Marion County. In general, competitive grants do not support general operating costs of libraries. High school libraries do not need a full-time media specialist to apply for a competitive grant. 

Varies

Application PeriodReviewNotificationProject Beings On/After
Jan. 17-Feb. 28, 2023 March-April, 2023 On/after May 9, 2023 June 1, 2023
Aug. 1-Sept. 8, 2023 September-October 2023 On/after Nov. 14, 2023 Dec. 1, 2023

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through CICF’s Smart Simple platform. To begin, log into Smart Simple and select the correct call for proposals. The Smart Simple 101 Guide can walk you through the steps of creating or accessing your Smart Simple account.

HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER ENHANCEMENT GRANTS

Media Center Enhancement Grants are for high school libraries to improve collections, technology, and access to resources for high school students. There is one grant deadline per year.

High school libraries in Marion County

Any Marion County high school media center or library with at least one full-time media specialist is eligible for Media Center Enhancement grants. Please note that “full-time” means assigned to the media center full-time. The proposed development of your school’s collections must have proper oversight in the implementation and use of funds.

$4,500 to $14,500 depending on high school enrollment, the strength of articulated outcomes and capacity of staff to carry out the proposed work

Key dateAction/Deliverable
April 28, 20232022-2023 High School Media Center Enhancement Grant Report Due
May 31, 2023 2023-2024 High School Media Center Enhancement Grant Application Due

MINDE BROWNING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANTS

The Minde Browning Fund provides professional development grants to staff serving in any eligible Marion County library. The Indianapolis Foundation and local donors established this endowed fund in 1999 as a tribute to Minde Glenn Browning, the former assistant director at the IU School of Law—Indianapolis Law Library and chair of the Library Fund Steering Committee.

Eligible libraries in Marion County

Funds may be used to cover the cost of registration, materials, travel and lodging to attend professional conferences and workshops, professional coursework, leadership development programs, and group programs related to libraries, media centers, etc.

Up to $1,500

Minde Browning applications are accepted throughout the year and decisions are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Please submit the request at least 60 days prior to the start of the activity that the grant request will fund. Only one request per individual will be considered per year.

Key DateAction/Deliverable
At least 60 days before proposed activitiesMinde Browning Professional Development Fund Application
60 days after conclusion of funded activitiesMinde Browning Professional Development Fund Final Report Form