For rural libraries working to build or rebuild their children’s collections, the Pilcrow Foundation Children’s Book Project Grant offers a meaningful opportunity to bring high-quality books into the hands of young readers.
The Children’s Book Project is a community-supported matching grant program. It is designed specifically for rural public libraries in the United States with limited operating budgets. Through the program, libraries raise $200–$400 from a local sponsor. This can be a Friends group, civic organization, or local donor. They receive a 2-to-1 match from the foundation. This match allows them to purchase up to $1,200 worth of new hardcover children’s books for their collections.
Grant recipients select titles from a curated list. The list consists of 500+ award-winning and highly recommended books. Educational and literary organizations choose these books. This ensures that participating libraries receive high-quality materials that support literacy development and serve the needs of their communities.
Who Can Apply
The program is intended for rural public libraries and Native American Tribal libraries located within the 50 United States. Libraries typically qualify if they:
- Serve rural communities, often more than 40 miles from a city of 50,000 or more
- Have limited operating budgets
- Maintain an active children’s department
- Serve relatively small populations (generally under 10,000 for town libraries)
Libraries that are part of a county or regional system may also apply, and branch libraries can apply if they serve rural populations and meet the funding requirements.
Disaster Relief Grants
The foundation offers a limited number of non-matching Disaster Relief Grants. These are for rural libraries affected by natural disasters such as flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, or tornadoes. These grants allow libraries to select $800 worth of new hardcover children’s books without requiring local matching funds.
These grants are intended to help libraries rebuild children’s collections and restore programming after a disaster has disrupted services.
Application Deadlines
The Children’s Book Project has two annual grant cycles:
- April 1
- October 1
Applications may be submitted online or by mail. Priority is often given to first-time applicants. Libraries that have not received funding in several years also get priority.
Why This Grant Matters
Access to quality books is essential for building strong early literacy skills. Rural libraries often serve as the primary literacy hub in their communities. They provide children and families with access to books, programs, and learning opportunities. The Pilcrow Foundation’s mission is to support these communities. They ensure children have access to engaging, high-quality books. These books encourage a lifelong love of reading.
If your library serves a rural community, it might want to strengthen its children’s collection. This grant may be worth exploring.
Learn more and apply here: https://thepilcrowfoundation.org/childrens-book-project-program-grants/
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