Exploratorium 2012: Denker, Karen

Table #13     Invigorate Your Library Through Grants:  Finding Sources of Funding and Writing Successful Grant Applications

Audience:       All          

Presenter:       Karen Denker                                     

                        PS 277
                        St. Ann’s Ave.

                        Bronx, NY 10455

Library Web site:  ps277.org

E-mail:   kdenker@schools.nyc.gov  

Description, Goals, Intended Outcomes: 

Description:   This presentation will show visitors how obtaining grants helped a once-moribund school library in one of New York’s poorest neighborhoods  get a jump-start into becoming a 21^st century library media center popular with students and faculty.

Goals:   To  create a thriving library media center through grants.

Intended Outcomes:   Visitors will apply for grants for their libraries.   Visitors will get new ideas for funding sources and new strategies for writing successful grant applications.

Process to Develop and Implement this Project:

Using the Library Walk I was able to pinpoint areas of our school library that were in need of improvement.  I formed a Library Advisory Committee in order to help formulate plans and goals for the library.  We decided that we needed to update the library’s technology first.  We applied for a Library REACH grant.  At first, we were not successful, but after re-thinking our technology goals, and re-writing our application the following year, we were awarded a grant.  I also wanted our school library to be filled with books our students would love (along with books which support the curriculum and teachers).   I actively solicited ideas from students on what kind of books to order, and looked for what transfixed them.  This became the basis of another successful grant award.  Much of our graphic and sports collections are funded through a Laura Bush Foundation grant.

Budget:   none

Timeline:  Pinpointing grant sources, researching and writing grant applications can take anywhere from a couple of half days to weeks.  Your effort can vary, as can your results.

Evidence of Outcomes, Possible Adaptations, Lessons Learned:

Award of grants would be evidence of outcome.  Becoming an active seeker of grants for your Library not only has the chance to add value to your library through grant awards, but also makes you, the school librarian, more valuable to your school.

Resources Used:

            I will provide a handout listing grant sources, tips on writing successful applications, and tips on staying motivated even if you are not successful in your first efforts.