Grants

Teen Grants*:

• Founded in June 2007, Prairielands, in conjunction with the Pioneerland and Plum Creek Library Systems, began to provide coordinated and cooperative support for healthy young adults throughout the region. A team of like-minded individuals dedicated to encouraging the young adult services in our area were invited to be part of this new initiative, and Teen Co-Op Steering Committee was born.

Now, most often simply called the Teen Co-Op, it’s offerings include two Teen Grants that support programming for teens.

• TeenTober Grant (October)
  • Application
  • Evaluation
  • Guidelines
• Teen Summer Read (Summer)
  • Application
  • Grant Guidelines
  • Evaluation

More information about Prairielands’ support for teen programming can be found on the Teen Resources page. 

Author Grants*:

Prairieland’s Author Grant helps partnering school and public libraries host an author visit. Originally limited to YA authors, the partners can invite authors to speak and/or conduct writing workshops at each library. Grant of up to $1,000 will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Applicants may apply only once per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

• Author Grant Guidelines
• Author Grant Application
• Author Grant Evaluation

Logo to include in advertising per Prairielands Grant Guidelines

The libraries receiving grants will be required to complete an evaluation form that will be provided online. The evaluation will include a final description of the program, the number of participants at activities; age range of participants; stories and feedback from participants, parents & staff to show the benefit of the program.

Reimbursement forms for all grants are attached to approval letters.

Special Grants*:

Prairielands grants have helped member libraries offer programming, materials, and technology not covered in library budgets. The focus of each Prairielands grant is determined through input from Prairielands staff, the Governing Board, and Member Council. Further input comes from the Teen Co-Op and the School Library Committee, as appropriate.

Prairielands Accessibility Grant*

Funds are designated to support member libraries in enhancing services to their patrons with disabilities, up to $500. An eligible expense under this grant might include decisions about expanding or creating collections, offering technology that improves the patron experience, designing or improving a physical object or space, and managing the library’s on line presence to be accessible and inclusive.

• Accessibility Grant: Guidelines
• Accessibility Grant: Application
• Accessibility Grant: Evaluation

Academic Library Finals Week Grants*:

College and university libraries in the Prairielands area may apply for funds to provide stress-breakers for students studying for final exams during the last week of the semester.

• Final Week Grant Guidelines
• Final Week Grant: Application
• Final Week Grant Evaluation

Historical Society, Archives, and Museums “Growing Connections” Grants*:

Historical societies, archives, and museums in the 18 counties of the PLE region can apply to gain financial aid in order to join the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums and to participate in the CollectiveAccess open software program through a one-time grant of up to $500.

• Growing Connections Grant: Guidelines
• Growing Connections Grant: Application
• Growing Connections Grant: Evaluation
• Organizational Agreement

*All grants reimburse grantees for expenses related to the grant. An eligible expense under might include performer/author costs; refreshments, supplies for activities, incentives, etc. Paid receipts will be required. Check with Prairielands for expenses that differ from these examples.

Reimbursement forms for all grants are attached to approval letters. Please use the Prairielands logo (at right) when promoting your teen programs. (Hold your cursor over the image, then right click, then click on “save image as” text, then choose a folder for the image.)