The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund High School Media Center Enhancement Grants

Provided by collaborative member Indianapolis Foundation

The Funding Opportunity

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.

Awards can range from $4,500 to $14,500 based on high school enrollment, the percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch, the percentage of students of color, and the outcomes of the proposed request.

Grant Contact Info

Jamie Valentine

Jamie Valentine, Senior Community Leadership Officer, JamieV@indianapolisfoundation.org.  

2024-2025 Grant Report Due
April 2, 2025

2025-2026 Application Due
By May 31, 2025

What is Funded

The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund Media Center Enhancement Grants support:

  • Acquisition of up-to-date print and electronic materials that support the teaching of the curriculum
  • Acquisition of up-to-date materials to support collaboration in teaching and learning
  • Acquisition of high interest reading materials to encourage leisure reading and/or to reach students with special literacy needs
  • Acquisition of up-to-date library media center technology to support teaching and learning

Examples Requests:

  • The acquisition of new materials in multiple languages, e-books, audiobooks, and large print books
  • Additional fiction books for summer reading program
  • Additional books with representation of diverse characters and inclusive stories/histories
  • The addition of new equipment for podcasting, video production, and STEM kits for checkout
  • The acquisition of new materials to encourage reading for pleasure to meet an increased student interest in a particular type of reading (e.g. MANGA and graphic novels)
  • The acquisition of items for makers spaces

Eligibility

Geographic Area: Marion County

 

Eligibility: 

  • 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 funds MAY NOT be used for consumables; periodical or database subscription renewals; events or field trips; department or classroom-housed objects such as maps, manipulatives, or lab equipment; classroom book sets; furniture or salaries.
  • Grant funds should supplement, not replace, school or district-allocated library funds.
  • Technology requests can be supported if they are directly connected to the proposed program.

Examples of allowable and non-allowable technology requests:

Allowable

  • Specialized equipment (3D printers, podcasting equipment, etc.) for a maker’s space
  • Specialized equipment (scanners, cameras, etc.) or software for a digitization project
  • Equipment or software to increase access to collections for individuals with visual, auditory or other impairments

Non-allowable

  • General use computers, televisions, printers, etc., to support general library operations
  • Sets of laptops for classroom use
  • Charging carts
  • Teleconference equipment or software for meeting room
  • Charging stations

How to Apply

Applicants must submit all application and grant reports using the linked forms below.

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APPLY HERE

Need Assistance?

  • If you have questions regarding the application process or the grant program in general, please contact Jamie Valentine, Senior Community Leadership Officer, JamieV@indianapolisfoundation.org.