Let’s not sugarcoat it—library budgets have been coming up over and over again in our community conversations, and the frustration is real. I see it. Whether it’s hiring freezes, reduced programming, or being told to “do more with less” (again), the pressure isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening in real time, in real libraries.
So… now what?
For a lot of libraries, the answer is grants. Not as a magical fix-all, but as a practical, strategic way to keep showing up for your community the way they deserve. Grants can help you pilot new ideas, expand access, and fill in the gaps that budgets leave behind.
And no—you don’t need a development department or years of experience to get started.
I’ve been there. I applied for a grant through the IEEE Science Kits for Public Libraries and was able to build 25 circulating STEAM kits (more on that later!). I also applied for a community grant through Aldi to fund an after-school snack initiative! They didn’t come from our budget—they came from knowing where to look and how to ask.
*I’m not an expert. I just took really good notes during my grant writing course in graduate school and applied for and won a few, myself!
And this is just one piece of the puzzle—I’ll be diving into community partnerships in a future post, because funding doesn’t have to fall on your shoulders alone.
Here’s the real-world approach to finding the right grants—and actually winning them.
Step One: Get Clear on What You Actually Need
Before you even start searching, pause.
Not “what would be nice to have,” but:
- What gap are you trying to fill?
- Who specifically are you trying to serve?
- What problem are you solving?
The clearer you are, the easier it is to match with the right funder.
Pro tip: Think in terms of impact, not items.
Don’t start with “we need iPads.” Start with “we need to increase digital access for seniors” or “we need hands-on STEM access for kids who don’t have it at home.”
Step Two: Stop Applying for Everything
One of the biggest mistakes? Applying for every grant you find.
Not every grant is worth your time.
Instead, filter hard:
- Does your project align with the funder’s mission?
- Do they fund libraries—or at least education, literacy, or community programs?
- Are you eligible (location, population size, type of library)?
- Is the award amount realistic for what you can execute?
If it’s a stretch, skip it. A strong match beats a long shot every time.
Step Three: Use the Right Tools to Find Grants
You don’t have to dig blindly. These resources can help you find real opportunities:
Library-Specific Grants & Funders
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
Federal funding with a wide range of opportunities—from innovation to community services. - American Library Association
Regularly updated grants and awards tailored to library work. - Association for Rural & Small Libraries
Especially valuable if you’re serving a smaller or rural community. - Penguin Random House
Great for literacy, outreach, and community engagement projects.
Grant Search Tools & Databases
- Demco
Easy to use and library-focused. - The Library Corporation
Curated opportunities specifically for libraries. - Tech for Libraries
Strong for tech-related funding. - EBSCO
A solid starting point if you’re new to the process.
Literacy & Education Funding
- Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Consistent funding cycles and very library-friendly. - ProLiteracy
Focused on adult literacy and education. - Believe in Reading
Supports children’s reading initiatives. - Scholastic
Offers both funding and helpful planning resources. - Edmentum
A roundup of education-focused opportunities.
Broader Grant Platforms
- Zeffy
A wide pool of nonprofit funding opportunities. - Givebutter
Helpful if you want to pair grants with community fundraising. - Instrumentl
A powerful tracking and search tool (especially if you’re applying regularly).
👉 And don’t skip this: Check with your state library association.
They often have hyper-local opportunities and insider knowledge you won’t find anywhere else.
Step Four: Learn What Funders Actually Want
Most grant applications are asking the same core questions:
Who are you helping?
Be specific. Not “the community.” Who exactly?
What’s the need?
Use local data, stories, or observations. The Census is your friend! Don’t just guess. Back up your application with facts and REFERENCE THEM.
What will you do?
Clear, simple plan. No jargon. Again, just the facts.
What will change?
This is your impact. What will be different because of your project?
How will you measure it?
Attendance, participation, circulation, surveys—keep it realistic. Most grants will require you to provide a follow-up with all sorts of data points surrounding how you utilized the funds, so make sure you have a plan to collect them!
What happens after the grant?
You don’t need a perfect sustainability plan—but show you’ve thought about it.
BONUS: I took a grant writing course in graduate school and you can take a look at some of my assignments here (see a completed Dollar General & Aldi grant)
*I no longer work at this library, so please do not email or call me there 🙂
Step Five: Write Like a Human (Seriously)
Grant writing does NOT mean sounding formal or complicated.
In fact, the strongest applications are:
- Clear
- Specific
- Easy to understand
- Free of buzzwords (some may even have a word count restriction)
Before:
“We aim to facilitate equitable access to multi-modal literacy resources…”
After:
“We will provide 50 kids with take-home literacy kits to support reading at home.”
Same idea. Much stronger.
Step Six: Stack the Odds in Your Favor
These small moves can make a big difference:
✔ Talk to the funder (if possible)
Many grants allow questions. Ask them. It shows initiative and helps you tailor your application. Some will also offer webinars or videos to help you get started – DO IT!
✔ Partner up
Schools, nonprofits, community groups—collaboration strengthens your proposal.
✔ Reuse your work
Build a “grant bank” with your mission, demographics, and program descriptions. They will all ask for the same information. You might as well put all of your info in one place. Work smarter, not harder!
✔ Start early
Rushed applications show. Yes, there are deadlines, but now is not the time to procrastinate. Give yourself ample time to get your ducks in a row and allow time to read and re-read (and maybe get a second set of eyes on) the application before hitting send.
✔ Follow directions exactly
If they ask for 500 words, don’t submit 700.
✔ Apply again
Rejection is normal. Many successful grants come after a first attempt. You’re not the only one looking for extra funding. Try and try again!
Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Accept “No Funding” as the End
Budget cuts are real. Frustrating. Exhausting.
But they don’t have to be the end of what your library can do.
Grants aren’t about chasing money—they’re about backing up the work you already know matters. They’re about saying: this community deserves this, and we’re going to find a way to make it happen.
Start with one idea.
Find one strong match.
Submit one application.
Then keep going.
If you’ve won a grant or have feedback or tips to share, put them in the comments below to help your peers, too!
If you enjoyed this post and want to see others like it, check out these popular posts!
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