Funding for Programming
Some game programs can be done for pennies! But whether you are just spending a few dollars on chips and soda or buying and enhancing a full video game collection, knowing sources of funding can help!
LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) Grants provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services hope to improve library services in all types of libraries in Illinois ($15,000-50,000). Although not specifically about gaming and libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has grants of all shapes and sizes. Many of these grants can be used for any type of programming in libraries and are often quite generous.
The MacArthur Foundation's Digital Media and Learning Competition grants promote "participatory learning" with technology ($5,000-$50,000): http://www.dmlcompetition.net/.
Verizon Foundation offers grants ($5,000-$10,000) to libraries for promoting literacy and education. Although not specific to gaming programs, a library program promoting games and multiple literacies would be eligible.
Small grants ($500-$5,000) are provided by ALA for the National Gaming Day @ Your Library. Be sure to keep up with announcements at http://ngd.ala.org/! The next National Gaming Day will be November 12, 2011.
Funagain Games, an online game store, offers $100 gift certificate each month to libraries and schools dedicated to gaming programs.
YALSA provides mini-grants ($450) to ten libraries each year during Teen Tech Week. Libraries willing to promote teen reading with innovative technology are eligible for this grant.
The Public Library Association (PLA) offers the Highsmith Library Innovation Award to a library that establishes an "innovative and creative service program for the community. Any innovative, cutting-edge program, activity or service will be considered".
Remember to be creative when looking for grant sources! A lot of grants may not specifically support games and gaming in libraries but if you can show how such collections and programs help develop literacy and strengthen the library community, any number of library development grants could fall your way.
LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) Grants provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services hope to improve library services in all types of libraries in Illinois ($15,000-50,000). Although not specifically about gaming and libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has grants of all shapes and sizes. Many of these grants can be used for any type of programming in libraries and are often quite generous.
The MacArthur Foundation's Digital Media and Learning Competition grants promote "participatory learning" with technology ($5,000-$50,000): http://www.dmlcompetition.net/.
Verizon Foundation offers grants ($5,000-$10,000) to libraries for promoting literacy and education. Although not specific to gaming programs, a library program promoting games and multiple literacies would be eligible.
Small grants ($500-$5,000) are provided by ALA for the National Gaming Day @ Your Library. Be sure to keep up with announcements at http://ngd.ala.org/! The next National Gaming Day will be November 12, 2011.
Funagain Games, an online game store, offers $100 gift certificate each month to libraries and schools dedicated to gaming programs.
YALSA provides mini-grants ($450) to ten libraries each year during Teen Tech Week. Libraries willing to promote teen reading with innovative technology are eligible for this grant.
The Public Library Association (PLA) offers the Highsmith Library Innovation Award to a library that establishes an "innovative and creative service program for the community. Any innovative, cutting-edge program, activity or service will be considered".
Remember to be creative when looking for grant sources! A lot of grants may not specifically support games and gaming in libraries but if you can show how such collections and programs help develop literacy and strengthen the library community, any number of library development grants could fall your way.
