The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund: Competitive Grants

The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund supports literacy and information access projects for Marion County residents through competitive grants, media center enhancements, and professional development funds. Eligible libraries include the Indianapolis Public Library and local universities' libraries. The fund aims to foster innovative programming, such as bilingual story times and digitalization of archival collections, with the goal of enriching community engagement and educational resources.

The Library Fund was established by a donor to support projects and activities that increase literacy, information literacy and information access for Marion County residents. The Library Fund is a field of interest fund of The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate.
Eligible libraries include the Indianapolis Public Library; libraries at IUPUI, Marian University, and University of Indianapolis; and any high school library in Marion County.
The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund has three primary grant programs—Competitive Grants, Media Center Enhancement Grants, and Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Grants.
The Library Fund accepts general applications twice a year to support innovative programs. Past examples include bilingual story times for immigrant families; digitization projects that make archival collections accessible and relevant; and the creation of a gaming lab within a high school library.
Grant Award
The Library Fund will consider one-year or two-year grant requests. Requests may be up to $150,000 a year.

Eligibility

Geographic and Funding RestrictionsEligible libraries in Marion CountyHigh school libraries do not need a full-time media specialist to apply for a competitive grant. The Library Fund will consider one-year or two-year grant requests.

Ineligibility

Funding Restriction
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.