Funding Opportunities
BLC has established the BLC Innovation Fund to support and enrich the activities of our Communities of Interest, Working Groups, and Committees. The BLC Reserve Fund is available for collaborative projects that require external funding. Finally, funding is available to support reasonable costs associated with in-person community meetings, such as catering expenses, meeting materials, and honoraria for external guests.
BLC Innovation Fund
BLC's Innovation Fund has been established to support and enrich the activities of the BLC Communities.
Who Can Apply for BLC's Innovation Fund?
Individual BLC Communities of Interest, Communities of Practice, Working Groups, Committees, Caucuses, and independent coalitions may apply for funding awards of up to $1,500 to enrich their collective work.
For more ambitious projects that engage two or more BLC Communities, you may apply for up to $2,500.
BLC Communities may also submit multiple smaller applications each year, though each BLC Community may receive no more than $1,500 in total from the BLC Innovation Fund in a single fiscal year (June 1 through May 31). Funding is limited.
What Can We Use Innovation Fund Monies For?
Possible uses for funding include honoraria and costs associated with invited speakers, professional development fees such as trainings, memberships, and subscriptions, and other costs incurred beyond ordinary meeting expenses. Provisional applications for emergent projects and activities are encouraged.
The BLC Team is available to support Innovation Fund applications and funded programs. Please contact Amahl McHenry for assistance.
When Can We Apply?
Applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applications are currently being accepted. Applications are due no later than March 1, 2025. Funds awarded must be spent by May 31, 2025. Award notifications will be communicated within two (2) weeks of each submission.
Recently Funded Projects
Emergent Strategy Book Club
OpenRefine Intermediate Skills for Metadata Manipulation
Communication Skills for Library Leaders
Mentoring Training
Introduction to Python for Library Metadata
Business Librarianship Speaker Series
Funding for In-Person Meetings
BLC Reserve Fund
BLC Communities are encouraged to propose collaborative projects that require external funding. BLC staff are glad to assist in the development of proposals to foundations and other funding bodies, as well as proposals to the BLC Reserve Fund.
Proposals to the BLC Reserve Fund may be submitted at any time of the year, and are considered by the BLC Board of Directors. Proposals must be received no later than the first day of the month prior to the Board meeting to be considered (i.e. proposals to be considered at the December meeting must be received by November 1st).
The Board of Directors will typically entertain proposals for up to $25,000 to encourage a larger number of smaller projects, but occasional exceptions can be made. Final reports are due to the Board of Directors no later than 90 days following the completion of the project, with quarterly progress reports for longer-term projects.
The BLC Board of Directors may approve the request as written, request modifications and revisions, or decline the request.
Proposals should be no more than two pages in length and include:
- A brief description of the project, including any background information
- The amount of funding requested and a detailed budget, including whether any matching funds are available from individual institutions or external sources
- Proposed activities and duration
- Anticipated outcomes, including specific goals
- A description of the project’s alignment with the BLC’s mission and strategic directions
- A list of participating BLC member libraries, and information about the role of any non-BLC member libraries participation in the project.
Please contact Charlie Barlow, Executive Director, for additional information and guidance in developing a proposal.