Community Organization Grants

Part of the Mission of the Friends of the Library is to support the community and to place more books and materials in the hands of more people. The Community Organizations Grants Committee is specifically charged with doing what the library cannot do, reaching people where they live. We do this by making grants to non-profit organizations serving Tompkins County residents for reading-related, literacy or skills development programs or projects.

New in 2010! The Committee will meet twice during the year to review applications. Due dates for the Spring and Fall funding rounds are April 12, 2010, and September 15, 2010. We prefer that you send your completed application as an attachment to our email address, ComOrgGrants@booksale.org. It can also be mailed to the Friends of the Library at 509 Esty Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850, Attn: COG Committee. All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. for consideration by the committee.

Approximately one-half of the 2010 allocation will be awarded during each funding round. Decisions will be made within two weeks of the due date. Please note that funding is limited and awards are not guaranteed.

To request a grant, please complete the newly revised Application Form pdf. The application requires the following information: name and purpose of the non-profit organization, description of the program or project, links to public library programs or services (if any), the specific request and cost, the amount requested from the Friends, and what results or outcomes are expected from the project or program.

All non-profit organizations that serve Tompkins County residents are encouraged to apply for funding. Contact the Community Organization Grants Committee for more information or to discuss your proposal.