library

Describing Library Problems that Need Funding

Describing Library Problems that Need Funding

In my last post, I shared about the importance of aligning your grant application to a funding agency’s

priorities. In this post, I will discuss how to describe problems for funding.

It is important that the grant application you submit have a clear problem that needs solving. Most grant

applications will require that you write a statement of the problem. The statement of your problem is

the “hook” and should, therefore, peak the grant reviewers’ interest.

The problem statement should have one clear sentence and supporting data. This section needs to

clearly describe the problem your proposed activity will solve. The problem should be supported by

data.

For the purposes of illustration, let’s say that you plan to apply for funds to create a youth literary

magazine. Your statement of the problem needs to clearly describe the problem the magazine will solve.

Include data on how the youth in your community are looking for a place to express themselves and feel

that they belong. Include data on how writing helps youth succeed in school and gain important life

skills.

To locate data relevant to your project, review sites such as:

  •  Local school district

  •  City government

  •  Chamber of Commerce

  •  Department of Education

  •  State

  •  County

  •  Regional Councils

  •  Original published research

  •  Bureau of Labor Statistics

  •  Census data

  •  Institute of Museum and Library Services

  •  Others specific to your project

Once you have described the problem and supported it with data, you should clearly explain how your

proposed activity will address the problem. In other words, your proposed activity is your method for

solving (or partially solving) the problem.

Reach out to PKS Grant Management and Accounting Solutions, LLC for additional ideas on writing a

problem statement.

Priority Areas for Library Funding Agencies

Priority Areas for Library Funding Agencies

In my last post, I shared about where to locate library grants. In this post, I want to discuss topics that may be of interest to funding agencies. Now, one of my grant-writing friends has always said we should not chase the money. I agree with this statement. Grants we write need to be good fits for the mission and visions of our libraries.

Finding Library Grants

Finding Library Grants

I worked in libraries and archives for 10 years, and during that time had the opportunity to be part of numerous grant projects. The work I was able to accomplish with the help of grants was some of the most rewarding work I did during those 10 years. Despite the enjoyment, the process of finding and writing grants did not come easily. I spent a lot of time researching and even more time writing. This is the first post in a series about library grants, and in this post, I want to focus on where to search for grants. 

These sites include many different library grants:

Specific companies/organizations that provide grants to libraries include:

I also suggest researching local foundations in your area. 

Reach out to PKS Grant Management and Accounting Solutions, LLC for additional ideas on locating library grants.