[Libs-Or] Rural and Small Libraries Grants: United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants to U.S.

[HANNING Darci * SLO]

Hello everyone! I'm passing this along for those that might be interested:


Applications now open for Penguin Random House and United for Libraries Grants for Friends Groups

Grants of $500 and $1,000, along with book donations and free virtual training, will be awarded to small and rural libraries; applications close Feb. 18
United for Libraries<https://www.ala.org/united> and Penguin Random House<https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/> have partnered for a new grant opportunity<https://www.ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/united-libraries-and-penguin-random-house-grant-rural-and-small-libraries> for Friends of Libraries in small and rural communities across the U.S. Grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000), will be awarded to support libraries in need. Sign up for grant information sessions and/or training<https://airtable.com/appUR04on4kns7PoS/paggFByKhgHrosfaD/form>
These funds will assist Friends of Library groups with priority projects. In-kind book donation grants of $500 will also be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles. Applications will close Feb. 18, 2025.

Each grant recipient will also receive complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries. This includes a year of access to United for Libraries Learning Live<https://www.ala.org/united/training/learning-live> monthly webinars, which present in-depth training to library Trustees/Board Members, Friends, Foundations, advocates, and those who work with them, and training on how to leverage the grant funds to build support for the library and the Friends group.

Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a cash or in-kind grant, Friends groups must support a rural/small U.S. library in the 50 states, District of Columbia, or U.S. territories (Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) with a legal service area population of 25,000 or less, and in any area 5+ miles outside of a U.S. Census defined urban area (as defined by the Institute of Museum and Library Services<https://www.imls.gov/> IMLS). A library that meets the same eligibility and is able to demonstrate it has started the process of forming a Friends group will also be eligible.

How to apply:

  *   The application is hosted on the ALA Apply<https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=AMALA> platform. You will need to create an account on the ALA Apply platform if you do not have one already. This account is different than your ALA website or membership account.

  *   Download a PDF of the application questions<https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/United%20for%20Libraries%20and%20Penguin%20Random%20House%20Grants%20to%20U.S.%20Rural%20and%20Small%20Libraries%20%20Application%2001072025.pdf>. Please note that (1) this contains all questions, you will only answer those applicable to the specific grant for which you are applying ($500, $1,000, or $500 in-kind), and (2) all applications must be submitted online.

  *   You can save the application and return later to complete. Be sure to submit the application once you have finalized all information.

  *   Refer to the Dec. 18 information session Frequently Asked Questions<https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/United%20for%20Libraries%20%26%20Penguin%20Random%20House%20Grant%20Information%20Session%201.pdf> for details about the grants, eligibility, and more. If you need additional assistance, please email united at ala.org<mailto:united at ala.org> or call (312) 280-2161.

The grant application is open now through Feb. 18, 2025

Grants will be administered by United for Libraries<https://www.ala.org/united>: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, whose mission is to support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries. Grant funding is provided by Penguin Random House.

Learn more about this grant opportunity on the United for Libraries website<https://www.ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/united-libraries-and-penguin-random-house-grant-rural-and-small-libraries>, or sign up to receive updates<https://airtable.com/appUR04on4kns7PoS/paggFByKhgHrosfaD/form>.

Jillian Wentworth
(she/hers)
Deputy Director, Strategy & Engagement
United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations
A division of the American Library Association
312-280-2160
Website: www.ala.org/united<http://www.ala.org/united>
News & Updates: united.ala.org<http://united.ala.org/>



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