The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund

The Library Fund will preference libraries and programs that:

• Increase literacy, information literacy, statistical and data literacy, and/or information access and library use.
• Support efforts that address and seek to eliminate disparities in library access or services. Disparities in access may be the result of race, ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTQ+ identity, language spoken, age, or other marginalized identity.
• Serve high percentages of underappreciated, marginalized populations with quality, comprehensive programming with a sharpened focus on outcomes.
• Take an innovative approach to programming or the role of the library in the community.
• Are designed with and endorsed by the community and/or target population served by the program.
• Include an evaluation mechanism for the community and/or target population served to inform programming design and delivery.

The Library Fund Advisory Committee consists of 6-8 librarians from public, university, and high school libraries in Marion County. Members of the Advisory Committee will review all applications and assess them according to alignment with the priorities above and The Library Fund Rubric.

• Reading program for neurodivergent youth that requires specific technology to read materials.
• Bilingual story times for families that require purchasing books in multiple languages.
• Digitization projects that make archival collections about Indianapolis history accessible and relevant.
• Creation of a gaming lab or makers space within a high school library.
• A series of author visits, including speaker fees and travel.
• A school wide read that invites community members to take part, including books and honoraria for discussion leaders.
• Training and transportation costs for high school or college students to serve as reading buddies for a nearby elementary school.

• The Library Fund grants support innovative programs, not general operating costs or capital expenses (including furniture).
• Technology requests can be supported if they are directly connected to the proposed program. See below for examples of allowable and non-allowable technology expenses.

Examples of allowable and non-allowable technology requests:

Allowable

• Specialized equipment (3D printers, podcasting equipment, etc.) for a maker’s space
• Specialized equipment (scanners, cameras, etc.) or software for a digitization project
• Equipment or software to increase access to collections for individuals with visual, auditory or other impairments

Non-allowable

• General use computers, televisions, printers, etc., to support general library operations
• Sets of laptops for classroom use
• Charging carts
• Teleconference equipment or software for meeting room
• Charging stations

• The Library Fund will consider one-year or two-year grant requests.
• Requests may be up to $150,000 a year.

The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund Media Center Enhancement Grants support:

• Acquisition of up-to-date print and electronic materials that support the teaching of the curriculum
• Acquisition of up-to-date materials to support collaboration in teaching and learning
• Acquisition of high interest reading materials to encourage leisure reading and/or to reach students with special literacy needs
• Acquisition of up-to-date library media center technology to support teaching and learning

The Library Fund will develop an Advisory Committee who will review and access applications in 2024.

• The acquisition of new materials in multiple languages, e-books, audiobooks, and large print books
• Additional fiction books for summer reading program
• Additional books with representation of diverse characters and inclusive stories/histories
• The addition of new equipment for podcasting, video production, and STEM kits for checkout
• The acquisition of new materials to encourage reading for pleasure to meet an increased student interest in a particular type of reading (e.g. MANGA and graphic novels)
• The acquisition of items for makers spaces

Any Marion County high school media center or library with at least one full-time media specialist is eligible for Media Center Enhancement grants. Please note that “full-time” means assigned to the media center full-time. The proposed development of your school’s collections must have proper oversight in the implementation and use of funds.

Grant funds MAY NOT be used for consumables; periodical or database subscription renewals; events or field trips; department or classroom-housed objects such as maps, manipulatives, or lab equipment; classroom book sets; furniture or salaries. Grant funds should supplement, not replace, school or district-allocated library funds.

Technology requests can be supported if they are directly connected to the proposed program.

Examples of allowable and non-allowable technology requests:

Allowable

• Specialized equipment (3D printers, podcasting equipment, etc.) for a maker’s space
• Specialized equipment (scanners, cameras, etc.) or software for a digitization project
• Equipment or software to increase access to collections for individuals with visual, auditory or other impairments

Non-allowable

• General use computers, televisions, printers, etc., to support general library operations
• Sets of laptops for classroom use
• Charging carts
• Teleconference equipment or software for meeting room
• Charging stations

Awards can range from $4,500 to $14,500 based on high school enrollment, the percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch, the percentage of students of color, and the outcomes of the proposed request.

• High School Media Enhancement Application
• Final Report Form

Funds may be used to cover the cost of registration, materials, travel and lodging to attend professional conferences and workshops, professional coursework, leadership development programs, and group programs related to libraries, media centers, etc. Applicants must be able to articulate how the professional development activity will further their own professional development and benefit library patrons and/or the larger community.

• Attending conference in library science
• Travel to experience a museum exhibit relevant to library role
• Attending diversity in library practice event

Individuals can receive one Minde Browning Professional Development Grant a year. If you received a Minde Browning Professional Development Grant the year prior, a report is required for eligibility in the current year.

Up to $1,500

Minde Browning applications are accepted throughout the year with decisions made on a first-come, first-served basis. Please submit the request at least 60 days prior to the start of the activity that the grant request will fund.

• Minde Browning Application Form 
• Minde Browning Final Report Form