Funding has always been an issue for school libraries, but with the possible dissolution of the Institute of Museum & Library Services and uncertainty surrounding federal and state government budgets, grants from other sources will be vital. Here are six grants that could help with everything from collection development and programming to disaster recovery and more.

Believe in Reading Grants

These grants funded by the Steve & Loree Potash Family Foundation are awarded to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations for existing and successful literacy programs that have been running at least two years. The grant funds any programs supporting reading and literacy, including English as a second language programs or projects for the blind or visually impaired.

Grant Amount: Up to $10,000

Timeline: Applications are considered as they are received.

For more information and to apply: https://believeinreading.org/grant-guidelines/

Beyond Words

This Dollar General grant is a disaster relief fund for K–12 public school libraries that have incurred substantial damage or hardship due to a natural disaster, fire, or an act recognized by the federal government as terrorism. Schools that are within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center are eligible.

Timeline: Applications must be received within 36 months of the disaster.

For more information and to apply: www.dgliteracy.org/grant-programs/#beyond-words

Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant

This funding “aims to recognize a librarian who has a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy. Examples of literacy include, but are not limited to, digital, media, visual, computer, data, financial, civic/ethical, news, information, multicultural, and cultural.”

Applicants do not need to be a member of the American Library Association (ALA)/Young Adule Library Services Association. However, before accepting the grant, the recipient must become a member. Grant funds can be used to cover this cost. Applicants must work for and with youth (ages 10-19) in a library setting, including public and school.

Grant amount: $1,000

Timeline: Applications are open. Deadline is December 1, 2025.

For more information and to apply: www.ala.org/yalsa/joann-sweetland-lum-memorial-grant

AASL Innovative Reading Grant

The grant supports the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for K–9 learners that motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers. Applicants must be members of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and propose a successful reading project that demonstrates the potential to improve reading in K–9 learners. The project or reading program should promote the importance of reading; facilitate the learners’ literacy development; and be supported by current reading research, practice, and policy. The reading program must be specifically designed for learners grades K–9 in the school library setting.

Grant amount: $2,500

Timeline: Application period opens September 1, 2025.

For more information and to apply: ala.org/aasl/awards/innovative

Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries

There are two Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants, administered by ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table. The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant provides support to a library that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs. The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant provides support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service, program, or initiative.

Grant amount: $2,000 for collection development, $1,000 for an event, and $1,000 to attend ALA Annual. The winning libraries will also receive approximately $3,000 worth of graphic novels.

Timeline: Grant cycle opens in Oct. 2025.

For more information: ala.org/gncrt/eisner

Snapdragon Book Foundation Grant

This nonprofit started by a former school librarian offers grants that can be applied to books that will be used repeatedly by school-age children through classroom libraries, school libraries; processing or cataloging fees from book vendors; reference materials for use by students; and magazine or newspaper subscriptions.

Grant amount: From $2,500 to $10,000

Timeline: Applications open November 2025.

For more information and to apply: snapdragonbookfoundation.org