The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund: Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Grant

The Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Grant, established by The Indianapolis Foundation, supports professional development activities for library staff in Marion County. Grants of up to $1,500 are available for attending conferences, workshops, and courses that enhance skills and benefit library patrons. Applicants must demonstrate how their development will positively impact their community. Applications are accepted year-round, with a 60-day advance notice required.

NOTE: Minde Browning applications are accepted throughout the year with decisions made on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are due at least 60 days before proposed activities
It has awarded more than $23.3 million since its inception to 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).
The Indianapolis Foundation and local donors established this endowed fund in 1999 as a tribute to Minde Glenn Browning, the former assistant director at the IU School of Law—Indianapolis Law Library and chair of the Library Fund Steering Committee.
Funding Priority
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.
Examples Requests:

• Attending conference in library scienceTravel to experience a museum exhibit relevant to library role
• Attending diversity in library practice even
• Funding
• Awards are granted for up to $1,500.

Eligibility

Geographic Restriction: Eligible libraries in Marion CountyIndividuals can receive one Minde Browning Professional Development Grant per calendar year.
If you received a Minde Browning Professional Development Grant the year prior, a report is required for eligibility in the current year.
Application should be submitted at least 60 days before the proposed event.
Examples of allowable and non-allowable technology requests:

• 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

Ineligibility

Examples of allowable and non-allowable technology requests:

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