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.
Geographic Restriction
Eligible libraries in Marion County
Funding Restriction
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.
Grant Award
Varies
2023 Grantmaking Schedule
Application Period | Review | Notification | Project 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.
Geographic Restriction
High school libraries in Marion County
Funding Restriction
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.
Grant Award
$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
2023 Grantmaking Schedule
Key date | Action/Deliverable |
---|---|
April 28, 2023 | 2022-2023 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.
Geographic Restriction
Eligible libraries in Marion County
Funding Restriction
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.
Grant Award
Up to $1,500
2023 Grantmaking Schedule
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 Date | Action/Deliverable |
---|---|
At least 60 days before proposed activities | Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Application |
60 days after conclusion of funded activities | Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Final Report Form |