Grant Writing 101: Bringing Money to your Library

Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) and the Library Book Selection Service (LBSS) Endowment Fund invite school and small public library directors to a free grant-writing workshop. 

In the morning, Illinois Heartland Library System staff will guide participants through grant writing 101, including how to find grants, and the important steps of completing a grant application. Also, Illinois State Library staff will go over the School District Library Grant application process. 

In the afternoon, members of the review committee for the LBSS Endowment Grant for the Illinois Reader's Choice Program will guide participants through the LBSS grant drafting and application process; participants will learn grant-writing best practices, as well as the characteristics of a winning LBSS grant application. 

By the end of the day, participants will have: 

• received grant-writing instruction 

• learned about other grants for public and school libraries 

• earned four Professional Development Hours for school librarians 

Schedule 

10:00-10:30           Coffee & light refreshments 

10:30-12:00          Grants information presentation and School District Library Grant and Per Capita Grant information

12:00-1:00             Lunch 

1:00-3:00              LBSS Reader's Choice Grant application training

Additional Details 

Join us for attendance prizes, light morning refreshments, and lunch, all provided. Attendees also receive free registration in the Readers’ Choice Awards Program! Program details are subject to change. 

Laptops are required for this workshop. Please bring your own laptop.  

Registration Information 

Eligibility: Registration is limited to individuals who have never written a winning LBSS Reader's Choice Grant application (regardless of whether or not your library has previously received LBSS grant funding). Preference is given to library staff at school libraries and small public libraries. 

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact Leah Gregory for clarification.  

Cost: Free! 

Session Capacity: The workshop is limited to 25 participants. After registrations are filled, participants can register for the waitlist. 

Registration deadline: Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. When you register, please note any dietary restrictions and accommodations needed. 

Cancellation deadline: Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Registration can be transferred.