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 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 annual Teen Grants which specifically support programming for teens.
TeenTober Grant
(October)
Teen Summer Read Grant
(Summer)
Special Grants*:
Prairielands also offers numerous grant opportunities throughout the year with the goal of bridging partnerships, community, patron outreach, and collaboration within all of the library types we serve within the region, including public libraries, post-secondary academic libraries, school libraries, and museums/special type libraries. Some of these grants are recurring each year, while others are specific to the current year. A brief description can be found below, while details are included in the individual guidelines document.
Author Grants
Prairieland’s Author Grants help partnering school and public libraries in hosting an author visit. Originally limited to YA authors, the partners can invite authors to speak and/or conduct writing workshop for all audience levels 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).
Academic Grants
College Libraries Creating Connections
College and university libraries in the Prairielands region may apply for funds to create events, plan programs, purchase physical items or create marketing materials that will encourage students to connect with the library.
Innovative Marketing Grant
The Prairielands Governing Board has designated funds to member libraries for the purchase of
materials, both permanent and consumable, that can be used to promote library services in a new or
unusual way. Libraries of all types may apply for up to $500 per library.
- Guidelines
- Application
- Evaluation
Craft Grant
Funding to be used for the purchasing of craft materials to use in programming for all ages.
An eligible expense under this grant might include materials for a knitting club, fabric, paper, glue guns,
promotional materials for a crafting event, Cricut supplies, etc. Both passive and directed programs are
acceptable. Programs that are new or reach a new audience are encouraged.
- Guidelines
- Application
- Evaluation
Innovative Marketing Grant: The Repeat!
The materials can be used as part of programming activities for all ages if desired, but must be focused on the promotion of the event or activity. The primary goal of such activities or programming should be to increase community awareness of library services and programs.
- Guidelines
- Application
- Evaluation
Better Together Grant
Coming November 2024!
Funding is designated to assist the connection of libraries of all types including museums, historical societies, and archives that are members of Prairielands Library Exchange with each other and reach new and diverse audiences through collaborative programming between two or more libraries of different types.
Community & You Grant
Coming January 2025!
Funding is designated to support a collaborative event, experience or programming activity that includes at least one PLE member and at least one community organization to benefit parts of the community which are not
regularly connected with library services and resources.
Accessibility Grant
Coming February 2025!
Funds are designated to support the enhancement of services to library patrons, especially those whose primary language is not English or who represent diverse backgrounds in other ways.
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; and stories and feedback from participants, parents & staff to show the benefit of the program.
Reimbursement forms for all grants are attached to approval letters.
*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.