In honor of a founding member of the Friends of Michigan Libraries, FOML awards up to two grants annually. Each “Harriet Larson Founders Grant” is worth up to $400* each. They are designed to help Friends groups in their efforts to support, enhance and showcase their local library.
The grants will be awarded by the Grants & Awards Committee based on the following priorities when reviewing applications, provided an applicant meets all of the applicable eligibility requirements:
- A new Friends group is being officially formed;
- A Friends group that is being rejuvenated, with a higher priority given to a group with a longer period of inactivity;
- An existing Friends group has a proposal for increasing membership, increasing community awareness, or a proposal for a novel approach to advocating for their library in the community.
“Harriet Larson Founders Grant” applications received by March 31 and September 30 of each year will be considered at the first FOML Board meeting following those dates.
1. Eligibility Requirements:
- a. Your group must be a current member of FOML at the time of your application.
- b. Your group should submit a statement in its supporting materials indicating that the application has been discussed with and approved by the Library Director.
- c. The grant will be for an amount up to $400. Smaller amounts may be requested
- d. Groups awarded a grant will not be eligible to re-apply for three years.
- e. Groups NOT awarded a grant (and meeting all other requirements) are eligible to apply as often as they wish.
- f. Groups should indicate whether they currently have 501(c)3 status or are in the process of applying for it. Preference will also be given to groups that have (or have applied for) Michigan Non-profit Incorporation.
- g. The grant request must not exceed two pages in length; photos are welcome but not necessary.
- h. A copy of the Group’s Bylaws must be included in the application.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Consideration: Current Friends Group:
- a. A short history of your group.
- b. Reason for grant request – include what the money will be used for.
- c. Number of Friends Group Members.
- e. Short list of itemized costs of purchases.
Start up or revival of Friends Group:
- a. Reason for grant request – include what the money will be used for.
- b. Potential number of Friends and how you arrived at that figure.
- c. Size of service district served by library.
- d. Short list of itemized costs of purchases.
* All applicants should be aware that the purchase or rental of equipment (such as audio-visual equipment or kitchen appliances) needed to implement the activities or events associated with this grant are not considered valid expenditures.
Click here for the online Harriet Larson Founders Grant Submission Form.
Please email any questions to: FriendsofMichiganLibraries@gmail.com