Library grants for schools tend to be small, competitive and focused on books and literacy. That makes them well suited to a single school library, and many can be written by a school librarian in an afternoon once the basic material is ready.
National funders for school library collections
Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries
The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries makes grants to school libraries with the greatest needs so they can update and expand their book and print collections. In its most recent announced round the foundation reported more than $1 million in grants to 220 schools in 38 states, and recipient schools have reported awards of about $5,000. Applications open once a year; check the foundation's page for the current window and eligibility.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation runs youth literacy grants for schools, public libraries and nonprofits, generally for organizations within a set distance of a Dollar General store. It has also run a disaster-relief program for school libraries that have lost books and equipment to a natural disaster. Application windows and amounts are published on the foundation's site each year.
Professional associations
The American Association of School Librarians (part of the American Library Association) runs awards and grants for school library programs and for school librarians' professional development. Several are aimed at specific projects, such as collaborative programs or innovative reading initiatives. Check AASL's awards and grants pages for current programs and deadlines.
Federal and state sources
Federal funding for school libraries usually reaches schools through formula programs rather than competitive grants to individual schools:
- ESSA Title IV, Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment) can support well-rounded education and the effective use of technology, which districts have used for library and digital learning resources. Allowable uses are set out in section 4107 and section 4109 of the law, and your state education agency publishes guidance.
- Title I funds in schoolwide programs can support literacy resources that are part of the school's improvement plan.
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funds state library agencies through the Grants to States program, and some states regrant part of that money. IMLS funding has been the subject of litigation and budget proposals since 2025, so check your state library agency for what is currently available.
Talk to your district's federal programs coordinator before writing an outside grant: the money you need may already be available inside the district.
Local options
- Local education foundations: many districts have an education foundation that funds classroom and library mini-grants.
- Community foundations: see our community foundations listing and your state page.
- Service clubs such as Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis often fund literacy projects and book drives.
- PTAs and PTOs, and local businesses, especially bookstores and banks.
For broader literacy funders, see education and literacy grants.
What makes a strong school library application
Show the need with your own data
Funders want evidence: the average age of your collection in key sections, the number of books per student, circulation trends, the share of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, reading assessment results, or the languages your students speak. Most library systems can report collection age by call number range.
Be specific about what you will buy
"New books" is weak. "Replace 400 nonfiction titles in the 500s and 600s published before 2005, and add 150 high-interest titles for reluctant readers in grades 4 to 6" is strong. Attach a draft order list if the funder allows it.
Connect the request to students
Explain how the materials will be used: classroom collaborations, reading challenges, take-home programs or support for English learners. Mention how you will measure use, such as circulation of the new titles or participation numbers.
Get the paperwork ready early
Most funders need the principal's approval, the school's address and NCES ID, and sometimes the district's tax information. Some require the district to accept the grant formally.
Timing
Many national library grants open in the fall or winter and announce awards in spring, so materials arrive for the next school year. Build a calendar each summer from the funders' own pages, because dates change from year to year.
A simple budget format
Funders read library budgets quickly, so keep them in a small table that matches the narrative. A typical collection request might be laid out like this, with your own vendor quotes filled in:
| Item | Quantity | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Nonfiction replacements (science and technology sections) | Number of titles | Vendor quote, average price per title |
| High-interest fiction for reluctant readers | Number of titles | Vendor quote |
| Titles in students' home languages | Number of titles | Vendor quote |
| Processing (labels, covers, cataloging) | Per title | Vendor processing fee |
If the funder only pays for books, show processing or shipping as a school contribution rather than leaving it out.
Checklist before you submit
- The school is eligible (public or private, grade range, location) under this year's guidelines.
- Collection data and student demographic figures are current, and their sources are noted.
- The order list or budget matches the amount requested.
- The principal, and the district if required, has approved the application.
- You have saved a copy of every answer for your content library and for next year's application.
After an award, share circulation of the new titles and a few student comments with the funder. Good reporting makes the next request easier.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single school apply for library grants?
Yes. Many library funders, including the Laura Bush Foundation and literacy programs, accept applications from individual public schools, usually with the principal's approval.
What can school library grants pay for?
Most fund books and print materials. Others support literacy programs, technology, makerspace supplies or professional development. Check each funder's list of allowable costs.
How much are typical school library grants?
Most national school library grants are in the low thousands of dollars per school. Recent Laura Bush Foundation recipients reported awards of about $5,000; confirm current amounts with each funder.
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