Awarded quarterly, applicants name timeline (up to 12 months)

$500-$3,000

Due Dates: Dec 31, 2024; March 31, June 30, 2025, Sep 30, 2025

Background

Many libraries and information organizations are recognizing that our institutions fail to interrupt patterns of discrimination experienced in the lives of people denied power and opportunity based on race, gender, sexuality, national origin, spoken language, and disability. We have committed ourselves and our social groups to learning what we’ve missed, and to probing unconscious biases. We are motivated to develop our workplaces into organizations that advance and model socioeconomic and racial equity policies and practices. 

The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries released a document in August of 2022 meant to inspire, support, and affirm the excellent work being done and to codify a shared vision for information organizations across New York. Called Vision 2022, it offers a framework reflecting the input of hundreds of library workers and supporters statewide, through which information workers can strategize and direct their efforts toward larger shared goals.

One strategic priority included in Vision 2022 calls for libraries to advance diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging. Northern New York Library Network is funding a grant program to support member initiatives that pursue the fulfillment of this priority in some way. Libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging when their collections, staffing, programming, and leadership give due attention and representation to marginalized populations, which may include BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, neurodivergent, unhoused, or other under- or misrepresented populations who experience broad social biases, discrimination, erasure, and environmental inequities. We aim to support those fostering brave environments for more just, equitable, and healthy communities.

Requirements and Restrictions

• Direct compensation and/or fringe benefits for permanent employees are not eligible expenses for the Grant. Fair payment or travel expenses for external help is advised.
• We recommend that institutions applying for funding receive direct quotes from any vendors, contractors, products, and services required to complete their project, in order to plan an accurate budget.
• Grant funding must be used only for products and services directly related to project activities. Cannot include indirect expenses (institutional overhead).
• Grant-related questions and submissions may be directed to grants@nnyln.org.

Eligibility 

• Applicants must be a current member of the Northern New York Library Network
• Applicants may receive this grant again after the accepted completion of a grant project. (Systems may apply each quarter with different member library partners)
• We won’t fund the same project by the same recipient more than once

Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees. Applications will be selected by their alignment with the purpose of advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in North Country cultural institutions, scored with the aid of this rubric. Reviewers will use a rubric designed for this grant and consult external resources like this guide for collaborations as needed.

Grantees will be expected to be in communication with the Executive Director and committee with any questions that may arise throughout the project.

Reporting Requirements

The Northern New York Library Network will reimburse awardees for grant expenses at the completion of the project (maximum one (1) year). The following documentation will be required:

• An updated budget that details the expenses incurred during the project.
• Receipts or invoices for all expenses to be reimbursed.
• A written narrative of activities performed and their perceived or reported effect(s):
  • If you were to do this again, what would you do differently?
  • How did your results achieve your hopes and how did your results differ?
  • What responses to your work did you get from those served?