E-Rate Universal Service Discounts for Schools & Libraries

E-Rate Overview

E-rate Overview Handout

Is Applying Worth Your While?

Perform some calculations to determine if applying for E-rate is worth your time.

What Should You Apply For?

See the categories of service, and the documents needed to apply for each.

When You Apply, You'll Need...

Technology Plans, and the Technology Plan Approval Process, Discount Calculations, FSCS Codes and FCC Registration Numbers.

Help from SLD

Learn how the Schools and Libraries Division can help you with E-rate.

Help from ICFL

Find out about the Idaho Commission for Libraries' role in E-rate.

CIPA and Filtering

Get more information on CIPA and filtering.

Other Links

Follow the helpful links on this page to get more information on E-rate.

Determine Your Discount or Reimbursement

See also: Determining free and reduced lunch percentages by school district or individual school building

Discount Matrix

Statistics

• Summary of Commitments
• Idaho E-rate Funding, 1998-2004 | Idaho E-rate Funding, 1998-2004
• E-rate Funding Chart
• E-rate Funding Graph

(Download the free Acrobat Reader.)

School Libraries

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is responsible only for public library applications. For more information about E-rate for schools, contact Dawn Wilson , Department of Education, Curriculum/Technology Center, (208) 332-6971.

 

For more information, contact Jan Wall.

Funding Information Center

Other Grant Info:
Other Grant Opportunities & Info | Grant Writing & Fundraising | Funding Outreach Programs
Back to Financing Library Projects

The Funding Information Center (FIC) is a special collection of books and other materials relating to philanthropy, with emphasis on foundation and corporate giving and government assistance. Information about special events, volunteers, and management of nonprofit organizations is also included.

Boise FIC

The Boise Center's web site, at http://www.boisepubliclibrary.org , links to Internet resources about nonprofits, charities, and other funding sources. The Boise FIC is located on the third floor of Boise Public Library. The center is open during regular library hours. Computers are available to view the Foundation Center's Database and for searching the Internet for funding opportunities.

Boise Funding Information Center
Boise Public Library
715 South Capitol Boulevard
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 384-4024
http://www.boisepubliclibrary.org

Eastern Idaho FIC

The Eastern Idaho Center's web site, at http://www.marshallpl.org/eific.htm, provides information for people in Eastern Idaho who are seeking grant funding. The Eastern Idaho FIC is located on the second floor of the Marshall Public Library and is open during regular library hours.

Eastern Idaho Funding Information Center
113 S. Garfield
Pocatello, ID 83204
(208) 232-1263
http://www.marshallpl.org

Funding Your Library Outreach Program

Other Grant Info:
Other Grant Opportunities & Info | Grant Writing & Fundraising | Funding Information Center
Back to Financing Library Projects

The two biggest barriers to starting outreach program for Idaho libraries are time and money. We can't do much about the time challenge, but there is funding available to help Idaho libraries enhance services to families throughout the state. The following links should help you get started thinking about alternative funding sources.

On this page:

• Some Simple Tips
• How to research a foundation and/or corporate giving program
• Asking for Money!

Some Simple tips:

• Establish your objectives : Set tangible, concrete objectives before starting the application process. Be realistic and detailed. Prepare a five-year plan.
• Consider Cooperation : Lots of funders like nonprofits to collaborate. Any formal relationship among nonprofits should be appropriately documented
• Document your case . Prove your need exists with measurable date, such as statistics, testimony, case studies.
• Define expected results . Clearly outline measurement indicators. "The value of having clear performance standards cannot be underestimated"
• Present your Budget . This may be the first thing the funder will look at, so it must be realistic and credible. Use tables.

For more information, visit:
http://www.jcdowning.org/resources/generalguide.htm

Return to Top

How to research a foundation and/or corporate giving program

Studies indicate that foundations and corporations reject many of the proposals they receive because the proposals do not fit the guidelines of the foundation or corporation. A preliminary step in researching is to be certain that foundation or corporation funding is appropriate. You must be clear about your goals, the needs to be met by your project, the amount of money necessary to achieve your objectives and the availability of funds from other sources. Foundation or corporate funding is not for everyone and a great deal of time, frustration, and disappointment will be saved if you honestly assess your position in advance.

Seek Local Support

If you represent a small organization, or a new organization, looking for funding for a project limited to the local community, you should first seek local funding through you own local constituency, community support and neighborhood business donations.

Keep in mind that a foundation and most corporations which consider funding an organization will want to see evidence of local support. Therefore, starting with community fund-raising efforts now, may help secure funding for a larger, more important project in the future. If you are seeking funds for yourself or another individual, local support may be the most available for you. Foundation funding for individuals is limited by legal technicalities, and most foundations do not provide direct assistance to individuals at all.

The Research Process

Once you determine to pursue foundation or corporate funding, you are ready to begin the research process. Doing you homework will assure that your proposal will be sent to foundations or corporations that make grants to your type of organization, in the geographic area in which you function and for your field of interest.

Using the following available resources, you will begin to establish a list of foundations and corporations that indicate interest in your subject area. Then, as your research continues, you will eliminate those whose limitations rule out your project. Finally, study in depth those foundations and corporations that remain on your list and select those whose interests and grant-giving record appear closest to your needs.

1. "The organization does not meet our priorities."
   Research before applying.
2. "The organization is not located in our geographic area of funding"
   Get the guidelines before applying.
3. "The proposal does not follow our prescribed format."
   Read the application information very carefully and follow it exactly.
4. "The proposal is poorly written and difficult to understand." Have friends and experienced people critique the grant.
5. "The proposed budget and grant request is not within our funding range."
   Look at average size of grants of the funder.
6. "We don't know these people. Are they credible?"
   Set up an interview before submitting the proposal and have board members and other funded organizations give you credibility.
7. "The proposal doesn't seem urgent and I'm not sure it will have an impact."
   Study the priorities and have a skilled writer do this section to make it "grab" the funder.
8. "The objectives and plan of action of the project greatly exceed the budget and time lines for implementation."
   Be realistic about the programs and budgets; only promise what can realistically be delivered for the amount requested.
9. "We've allocated all the money for this grant cycle."
   Don't take this personally. It is a fact of life. Try the next available grant cycle.
10. "There is insufficient evidence that the program will become self-sufficient and sustain itself after the grant's completed."
    Add a section to the proposal on plans for sufficiency and develop a long-term strategy.

Richard J. Male, President, Grants Guide Plus Quoted in Four County (NY) Library System News.

Return to Top

 

Asking for Money!

Printed in The Library Imagination Paper Spring 1999

Go to a seminar by any professional fund-raiser and you will be made aware of a miscalculation made by many who ask another person to donate money to a cause: most people base their "please give" speech on need when it should be based on vision. And what is vision? In terms of attracting library or media center donations, it is expressing, in a compelling way, what it will mean to the donor, the facility, and the community if the money is given.

The person solicited is more likely to give if 1) the solicitor is a friend and of similar financial means 2) the solicitor has already donated to the cause at or near the amount being requested - and this can be shown in fund-raising materials.

And there are other things to bear in mind which will make your task of asking for library donations easier and even enjoyable:

• Create a vision for the person which includes "selling" the excitement and benefits of the future as made possible by those who donate. If it's money for a new building or new room, have an architect's rendering ready on hand-outs.
• Promote "the experience" awaiting the donor who helps make improvements possible. More money could mean better-appreciated programs, speakers, or films because of new, comfortable chairs in a renovated meeting room.
• Project the library's financial "wish" in very simple, understandable terms. Creative presentation can help a lot. A rural West Virginia church library gave away umbrellas to all donors who helped buy a new roof for the older, leaking facility.
• Prove to those you ask why you need the amount of money sought. Provide lists of prices for goods and services, bottom lines.
• Let them know how contributing will provide a good experience for them, their family, the community. Perks and privileges for donors at all levels is helpful - from listings to coffee mugs to private gourmet dinners with the director.
• It is proven that money is more readily given if it enables less fortunate children to enjoy a special experience. In fact, child-based causes (new children's books?) are the most successful.
• Don't get those you approach to "think elitist." Rather, get them to "think community."
• Sometimes it is better to address a specific need (obscure equipment) with a general rather than specific campaign.
• One of the most important things you can say: "This will improve our quality."
• Beyond the asking, it is helpful to be able to line up a corporation, individual, or foundation to provide a sizable matching challenge grant. This provides the extra inspiration needed by some, and will usually attract larger gifts.
• And it goes without saying that staff and volunteers need the organization and training to provide needed support.
• Being prepared and doing you homework is the key to successfully asking for money. If you are really good, they may even ask you if they can give!

According to Insights a CPA newsletter, yearly surveys showing sources, receivers, and percentages of donations have remained essentially unchanged since 1991. These facts should help libraries shrewdly target fund-raising.

Source of Donations: Individuals 80.3%; Bequests 6.8%; Foundations 7.5%; Corporations 5.6%

Receivers of Donations: Religion 46.1%; Education 12.5%; Health 9.2% ; Human Services 8.1%; Arts 7.2%; Public and Social Benefits 5.0%; Other (environmental, wildlife, etc) 11.9%

Return to Top

 

Grant Writing and Fundraising Resources

Other Grant Info:
Other Grant Opportunities in Idaho | Funding Outreach Programs | Funding Information Center
Back to Financing Library Projects

On this page:

• Reference books
• Other books on grant writing & fundraising
• Videos on grant writing & fundraising
• Materials from Boise Public's Funding Information Center
• Sources for Idaho information on children & families

Reference Books

Note: As reference books (those marked with a R before the call number) do not normally circulate, the State Commission will be glad to photocopy information for you from these books.

Annual Register of Grant Support: A Directory of Funding Sources 1997, 30th edition. R.R. Bowker, 1996. (R361.7 ANNUAL 1997)
More than 3,000 entries arranged by disciplines. There are four indexes ­ subject, organization and program, geographic, and personnel. Extensive cross-references facilitate the potential applicant's search for appropriate grant programs. (ISBN 0-8352-3743-5)

The Big Book of Library Grant Money 1998-99, Prepared by The Taft Group for The American Library Association, ALA, 1998. ( R021.83 BIG BOO 1998-99)
Nearly 2,200 profiles targeting the most promising major givers. A biennial publication that organizes profiles state-by-state; lists only givers who will consider unsolicited proposals; indexes givers by state and city of corporate headquarters; and provides an index to types of programs receiving grants. (ISBN 0-8389-0739-3)

1998 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, Office of Management and Budget & General Services Administration, 1997. (R338.973 CATALOG)
A government-wide compendium of federal programs, projects, services, and activities providing assistance or benefits to the American public. Contains information on nearly 1,500 assistance programs administered by 57 federal agencies. The basic volume is published annually in June, with an update in December. The best reference source for federal programs. Also available on floppy disk and CD-ROM.

Corporate Giving Directory, 1997, edited by Kenneth Estell. 18th edition. The Taft Group, 1997. (R361.7 CORPORA 1997)
Entries are listed alphabetically with fourteen indexes to help users cross-reference program characteristics critical to successful fund raising. Includes more than 1,000 companies and each company profiled makes contributions of at least $200,000 annually. (ISBN 1-5699-5301-5)

Directory of Idaho Foundations, edited by Elaine Leppert. 8th edition. Caldwell Public Library, 1997. (R361.7 DIRECTO 1997)
A valuable resource for Idaho grantseekers. The directory is divided into six sections: foundations headquartered in Idaho, scholarships, foundations granting only to designated organizations, inactive foundations, national foundations funding in Idaho, and three appendices: a geographic index, calendar of application deadlines, and a bibliography.(ISSN 1058-0689)

The Foundation Directory, 20th edition. The Foundation Center, 1998. (R061 FOUNDAT 1998) Considered to be the definitive source on grantmaking foundations, it contains information on more than 8,000 foundations giving at least $200,000 annually. Arrangement is alphabetical by state, and then by foundation name. There are seven indexes and three appendixes to assist grantseekers. (ISBN 0-87954-765-0 casebound; 0-87954-762-6 soft cover)

National Guide to Funding for Libraries and Information Services, edited by Elizabeth H. Rich. 4th edition. The Foundation Center, 1997. (R361.7 NATIONA 1997)
Intended as a starting point for grantseekers looking for foundation, corporate and other charitable support for libraries and information services. A total of 644 entries that have been evaluated to ensure that the grantmaker possesses sufficient interest in libraries and and related disciplines. (ISBN 0-87954 716-2)

Other books that may be interlibrary loaned from the State Commission

Becoming a Fundraiser: The Principles and Practice of Library Development, by Victoria Steele and Stephen D. Elder. American Library Association, 1992. (025.11 STEELE)
A realistic view of how library fundraising works. Explains how to succeed at fundraising by selecting a program that will suit your library and your administrative and personal skills. Chapters include information on development staffing, friends groups, raising funds from organizations, and strategic communication. (ISBN 0-8389-0589-7)

The Board Member's Guide to Fund Raising: What Every Trustee Needs to Know About Raising Money, by Fisher Howe. Jossey-Bass Inc., 1991. (658.1 HOWE)
Describes a board's responsibility for fund raising; provides helpful do's and don'ts; reveals where boards often go wrong; and shows how individual trustees can personally support fund-raising efforts most effectively. Contains a wealth of valuable fund-raising strategies and techniques. (ISBN 1 55542-322-1)

Foundation Fundamentals; A Guide for Grantseekers, edited by Mitchell F. Nauffts. 5th edition. Foundation Center, 1994. (361.763 NAUFFTS 1994)
Takes you step-by-step through the resources and search strategies developed by the Foundation Center. Includes descriptions of types of foundation; an overview of resources available to grantseekers; a basic outline for funding proposals; and worksheets to help grantseekers identify potential funders. (ISBN 0-87954-543-7)

Fundraising for the Small Public Library; A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, by James Swan. Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc., 1990. (025.11 SWAN)
Practical advice for small libraries planning a general fundraising campaign, direct mail appeals, and special events. (ISBN 1-55570-077-2)

Getting Your Grant; A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, by Peggy Barber and Linda D. Crowe. Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc., 1993. (025.11 BARBER)
A quick and easy source with checklists and practical exercises to guide you through grant development. Includes examples of proposals and fact sheets that have worked well for other libraries. Describes the process of identifying potential funding sources, preparing your proposal, and follow-through. (ISBN 1 55570-038-1)

Library Fundraising; Models For Success, edited by Dwight F. Burlingame. American Library Association, 1995. (021.83 LIBRARY)
A unique collection of firsthand fundraising experiences encompassing methods such as special events, capital campaigns, and programs ­ what worked, what didn't, and what could work better. (ISBN 0-8389-0657-5)

Saving Your Library; A Guide to Getting, Using and Keeping the Power You Need, by Sally Gardner Reed. McFarland & Company, Inc., 1992. (021.83 REED)
Useful advice for getting financial support by enlisting the library's most effective advocates. The first part looks at library advocacy on the local level ­ from immediate concerns to ongoing support strategies. Part two examines tactics to get state and federal support. (ISBN 0-89950-719-0)

Understanding Nonprofit Funding; Managing Revenues in Social Services and Community Development Organizations, by Kirsten A. Gronbjerg. Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1993. (361.7 GRONBJE)
Helps public administrators understand how to work with nonprofit organizations and shows how different public policy structures affect the operation and management of nonprofits. Offers insights into managing the complex web of financial resources including donations and fund-raising events. (ISBN 1-55542-538-0)

­compiled by Stephanie Kukay, Reference Librarian, Idaho Commission for Libraries

Videos available from the State Commission

Grant Your Wish: Learn How to Write a Successful Grant Proposal, Successful Images, Inc. 1998. (336.185 GONZALEZ)
Learn about the twelve key elements of a proposal, why some proposals get funded and some don't, how to create a budget and where to get a list of funding sources. 30 minutes.

Recognizing Fundraising Opportunities. American Library Association, 1998. (025.11 RECOGNI)
Designed to make the entire library staff partners in the fundraising process and to demonstrate that the behaviors involved are the same as those normally used to give good customer service. This package allows you to conduct a one-hour workshop, and includes a scripted training section to use with the 11-minute video.

You're in the Money; Fundraising Fundamentals, American Library Association, 1994. (025.11 YOURE I) This 30-minute video discusses the basics of fundraising, including organizing the campaign, deciding on the appropriate method for raising money, locating the best prospects, and starting a foundation. (ISBN 1-56641-011-8)

Materials Available at Boise Public's Funding Information Center

Making the Grade: Community Workbook, National Collaboration for Youth, 1991. (FIC 307.14 COMMUNI MAKING 1991) A source for information on how to engage youth and adults as partners in the process of empowering communities to assume responsibility for creating and maintaining safe environments for all young people. Objectives include helping communities assess their values, needs and capacity to affect youth crises.

Raise More Money for Your Nonprofit Organization: A Guide to Evaluating and Improving Your Fundraising, by Anne L. New. The Foundation Center, 1991. (FIC 361.7068 NEW 1991) Can help nonprofit leaders in three ways: assess present fundraising; use analysis to convince your board of directors that time and money spent to improve long-term fundraising capability can be a good investment; get in the habit of self-assessment.

Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization, by Joan M. Hummel. 2nd edition. University of Minnesota Press, [n.d.]. Details considerations and actions that a new nonprofit organization should consider.

Sources for Idaho information on children & families

Profiles: Idaho School Districts, 1998-1999, State of Idaho Department of Education. Provides information about each Idaho school district including progress toward meeting district goals, number of LEP (limited English proficient) students, drop out rates, test scores, number of students in special education, number of students using the free or reduced meals. Available through the State Commission's State Documents department (E2100.16).

Idaho Kids Count 1999-2000 Data Book: Profiles of Child Well-Being. Kids Count is part of a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children. The book contains information and statistics on major well-being indicators by county. Indicators and information includes: County population by race and ethnicity, population under age 18, family economic well-being, families receiving assistance, school dropouts, teen births, and much more. Available through the State Commission's State Documents department.

Serving Exceptional Children: A Report to the Idaho Legislature January 2000, Presented by Dr. Marilyn Howard, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Idaho State Department of Education. Reports on activities involving students with disabilities or gifts and talents. Also breaks down the number of special education students served in each disability category statewide. Available through the State Commission's State Documents department (E2100.16 SPE01 2000).

Trends in the Well-Being of America's Children & Youth, 1999. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. A federal source of information about children in the United States. Tracks information over time including Family-Child Engagement in Literacy Activities (which includes library visits), and Reading Habits of Children and Youth. (Available through the State Commission's Federal Documents department.

Library Service and Technology Act (LSTA)

Overview

On this Page:
LSTA Forms & Documents | Advisory Council | State Plan | Supplemental Resources |Questions

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is a recipient of federal funding for the support of libraries through the Library Services and Technology Act of 1996. One of the purposes of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is to stimulate excellence and promote access to learning and information resources in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages.

An annual LSTA Allocation Plan describing eligible projects is sent to all Idaho libraries in the spring. Additional copies of the Guide are available by contacting the Grants Contracts Officer at the State Commission, 1-800-458-3271.

For more information about additional grant opportunities, a list of Idaho foundations that may fund library projects, resources on grant writing and fundraising and more, please see the Funding Your Library Outreach Project page.

Most of the forms and guides below are offered in both MS Word and PDF formats. To access PDF files you will need Adobe Reader.

LSTA Grant Instructions

Document Name	Choose a format
2008 LSTA Grant Guide	(3 MB) (1.4 MB)
	(3 MB) (1.6 MB)
Eligibility Checklist

 

Grant Applications

Document Name	Choose a Format
Just In Time Application
Retrospective Conversion Application
Underserved Mini Grant
Advocacy Application
Personnel Budget
Proposed Project Budget

 

Certifications

Document Name	Format
Certification Regarding Debarment
Certification Regarding Lobbying
Civil Rights Certification

 

CIPA Compliance

Document Name	Format
Compliance Guidelines
Consortia Certification
Guide to Certification Completion
Public Library Certification
School Library Certification
Statement of Program Assurances

 

Grant Reporting

Document Name	Format
Quarterly Narrative Report
Final Project Evaluation Form
Advocacy Interim Report
Advocacy Final Report

 

Grant Reimbursement

Document Name	Format
Reimbursement Request Form
Financial Report Instructions
Financial Report Form

 

LSTA Advisory Council

The Advisory Council advises the State Commission Board on the development of the state plan for the Library Services and Technology Act, the annual LSTA program, and evaluation of LSTA grant applications and projects.

LSTA Plan

• Idaho State Plan, FY2008-2012
• Idaho State Plan Evaluation, FY2003-2007
• Past documents:

  • Idaho State Plan, FY2003-2007

  • 5 Year Evaluation for 1998-2002 LSTA Plan

Supplemental Resources

• Needs Assessment

Questions & Comments

Contact Sonja Hudson or phone (208) 334-2150

Other Grant Opportunities

Other Grant Info:
Grant Writing & Fundraising | Funding Outreach Programs | Funding Information Center
Back to Financing Library Projects

Grant opportunities of interest to Idaho librarians

The Libri Foundation

The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization that donates new, quality, hard-cover children's books to small, rural public libraries throughout the United States. Several Idaho libraries have received grants from the Libri Foundation. In order to encourage and reward local support of libraries, the Libri Foundation will match any amount of money raised by a library's local sponsor from $50 to $350 on a 2-to-1 ratio. Thus, a library can receive up to $1,050 worth of new, quality, hardcover children's books.

Applications are accepted from independent libraries as well as libraries which are part of a county, regional, or cooperative library system. A library system may also apply if all the libraries in the system meet these requirements. A school library may apply only if it also serves as the public library (i.e. it is open to the general public and during the summer).

For more information see the web site at http://www.librifoundation.org.

Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries

The mission of the Laura Bush Foundation is to support the education of our nation's children by providing funds to update, extend, and diversify the book and print collections of America's school libraries.

In its most recent grant cycle ( 2004) the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded in excess of $660,000 in grants to 136 school libraries. The libraries, including one in Idaho, received up to $5000 each.

The grant application process is administered by the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region with guidance from the Laura Bush Foundation Advisory Committee. The grants are funded through donations from individuals and foundations.

For more information, go to the web site at http://www.LauraBushFoundation.org.

Children's Trust Fund

The Idaho Children's Trust Fund awards grants for services to prevent child abuse and neglect in Idaho and provides technical assistance, training and networking opportunities to programs that help support and strengthen families.

Mini Grants are one-year grants of up to $2,500 each, to prevent child abuse or neglect. The Trust Fund has also introduced Multi-Year Grants of up to $40,000 over a 3-year cycle. The larger grants must target specific populations and needs, and they must fall under one of four identified categories. Those interested in applying for funds may check the Trust Fund's web site http://idahochildrenstrustfund.idaho.gov/ for more information.

Box Tops for Education

More than 82,000 K-8 schools are enrolled in the Box Tops program. There are three components to the program - Clip, Shop, and Charge. Participating schools can receive up to $20,000 per year for each of the three components, or a maximum of $60,000. Go to http://www.boxtops4education.com/ for more information.

Starbucks Foundation Grants

The Starbucks Foundation has a giving program which focuses on literacy projects for children from birth through 21 years of age in communities where its stores are located.

Grants are made at two levels, both of which require involvement of Starbucks employees. Mini-grants of $5,000 each are made to local-level projects that the store's employees are involved in. Opportunity Grants of up to $20,000 each are made to larger local projects that involve Starbucks' resources -- stores, employees or customers. Organizations may apply for only one type of grant per year.

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and other tax-exempt institutions, such as public schools and libraries, in communities where Starbucks' stores are located.

Applications for the mini-grants program are accepted at any time and are reviewed on a regular basis. Applications are available from Starbucks stores, district managers and the foundation. To apply for the Opportunity Grant program, submit a concept paper, written to foundation specifications, describing the project. Full proposals will be invited based on concept papers.

For more information or to request application materials, visit a local Starbucks store or go to the web site at http://www.starbucks.com/donations.

Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Minigrants

The Foundation offers Minigrants of $350 to school and public libraries for programs that encourage literacy and creativity in children. All applicants must be from the United States, and proposed projects must be exclusively sponsored by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.

Programs that will be considered include storytelling, innovative or noteworthy workshops, and festivals. Those targeted at parents are also considered worthy. Programs focusing on the works of Ezra Jack Keats will be given special attention. Only one application from each library system or school district will be considered.

Grant application forms will be found at http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrants.htm and must be mailed, not e-mailed, to Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grants, 450 14th St., Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.

Verizon

Over the last 10 years, Verizon has created and supported a number of literacy programs involving both national and local literacy groups. In 2004 alone, Verizon contributed nearly $20 million towards literacy programs.

Some of these programs are:

• Season's Readings: Million Books for a Million Children. A national holiday book drive sponsored by Verizon Communications and Barnes & Noble Booksellers.
• Young Readers Program. An interactive and family-oriented course that targets K-3 readers in minority neighborhoods.
• BuildLiteracy.org. Answers questions about adult literacy, libraries and coalitions in addition to providing tips on coalition-building, profiles of existing literacy coalitions, and a menu of literacy coalition activities.
• Verizon Reads with the Pioneers. A children's literacy program involving Verizon volunteers who serve as reading tutors and mentors for children and young teens in kindergarten through ninth grade.

For more information on these and other Verizon Reads programs, go to their web site http://www.verizonreads.net.

Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

The goal of this national grant program is to develop and expand family literacy efforts nationwide, and to support the development of literacy programs that build families of readers. A total of $650,000 is awarded each year; no grant exceeds $65,000.

Family Literacy programs funded through the Foundation's National Grant Program must include all of the following components:

• Reading instruction for parents or primary care-givers (pre-GED/GED/ ESL, etc.)
• literacy or pre-literacy instruction for children
• Intergenerational activities where the parents/primary caregivers and children come together to learn and to read.

Programs can also include additional components such as parent support groups, parent involvement, home visits, job training, etc. Grants have been given to literacy groups, libraries, schools, social services organizations and youth organizations.

Grant applications are due in September for the following year. Go to the web site http://www.barbarabushfoundation.com for more information.

Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Program (21st CCLC)

This program offers grants that enable schools to stay open longer and provide a place for tutoring in basic skills, homework centers, and enrichment in core subjects. Centers also can provide drug and violence prevention counseling, community service opportunities, or advice to students about college preparation courses.

Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other public and private agencies, including school districts. Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply. Grants are awarded to applicants that will primarily serve students who attend schools with a high concentration of low-income students.

This program is funded by the federal government (No Child Left Behind) and administered by the state through the Idaho State Department of Education. Go to www.sde.state.id.us/safe/lc/default.asp for more information.

Idaho Community Foundation

The Idaho Community Foundation makes grants to 501(c) organizations, educational institutions, and in some cases to governmental entities. Because needs within the state are so varied, the range of projects which ICF funds is very broad and includes projects in the fields of health, human services, arts and culture, education, public projects, and the environment. Additional grant information may be obtained online at http://www.idcomfdn.org or by calling the Foundation office at 1-800-657-5357.

Funding Information Center

The Funding Information Center, located at Boise Public Library, is a useful source of fundraising information. In addition to the Center's collection of print materials, its web site, located at http://www.boisepubliclibrary.org, links to Internet resources about nonprofits, charities and foundations.

Directory of Idaho Foundations

The Directory of Idaho Foundations, published by the Caldwell Public Library, is an excellent source of information about grant opportunities for libraries in Idaho. The directory is updated frequently. Caldwell Public Library also maintains a collection of materials to assist grant seekers. For more information about the directory or the collection, contact Elaine Leppert at 1-208-459-3242 or caldwellpl@yahoo.com.

The Funding Information Center at Boise Public Library, Caldwell Public Library, and the Eastern Idaho Funding Information Center at Marshall Public Library in Pocatello are participants in the Foundation Center Cooperating Collections program. Other libraries in this region which participate in this program include Spokane Public Library, Salt Lake City Public Library, and the libraries at University of Montana in Missoula and Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Washington.

Regional and Local Funding Sources

The information below is taken from the Directory of Foundations, (11th ed., 2003). Check the directory for many more funding sources.

Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust

Gives to civic and literary organizations in the Twin Falls area. Contact the Wells Fargo Bank Trust Department, P.O. Box 7, Twin Falls, ID 83303.

Caldwell Community Foundation, Inc.

Gives to organizations in Canyon and Owyhee Counties, except for Nampa. The deadline for applications is September 30th. Contact the foundation at P.O. Box 1358, Caldwell, ID 83606.

Callahan-Zeller Foundation, Inc.

Gives primarily in Idaho; public libraries are an area of interest. Contact the foundation at P.O. Box 469, Wallace, ID 83873.

Chadwick Foundation

Gives primarily in Idaho. Contact the foundation at P.O. Box 486, Soda Springs, ID 83276.

CHC Foundation

Gives in Idaho only, with an emphasis on eastern Idaho. Deadline dates are February 1 and September 1. Contact the foundation at P.O. Box 1644, Idaho Falls, ID 83403

Edna Childs Charitable Trust

Application deadline is December 31. Contact the Wells Fargo Bank Trust Department, P.O. Box 7, Twin Falls, ID 83303.

Edward Low Memorial Trust

Application deadline is December 31. Contact the Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, P.O. Box 2618, Boise, ID 83701.

Whittenberger Foundation

Gives to qualified Idaho organizations. Areas of interest relate to children and young people. Preference is given to short-term projects. Deadline is August 31. Go to http://www.whittenbergerfoundation.org for further information.

Foundation Northwest

This is a fund for charitable purposes in the ten counties north of the Salmon River. Contact the foundation by e-mail at info@foundationnw.org, or call toll-free 1-888-267-5606.

Idaho Trustee News

Trustee Newsletters

The Idaho Trustee News is available, upon request, in alternative format for persons with disabilities. The following newsletters are available in a pdf format.

• June, 2008
• Winter 2007
• Fall 2007
• Summer 2007
• Spring 2007
• Winter 2006
• Fall 2006
• Summer 2006
• Spring 2006
• Winter 2005
• Fall 2005
• Summer 2005
• Spring 2005
• Winter 2004 - 2005
• Fall 2004
• Summer 2004
• Spring 2004
• Winter 2004
• Fall 2003
• Summer 2003
• Spring 2003
• Winter 2003

for PDF Files

Responsibilites of Boards and Librarians

The Trustee, the Director, and the Staff

The responsibilities of trustees can be divided into four general categories:

1. Governance & Policy Making

2. Finance

3. Personnel

4. Service & Community Relations

Cooperation is the key

The duties and responsibilities of the library board and the library director may appear to overlap. Understanding the difference in function assures teamwork and better library service.

Boards should not run their libraries; they should see that they are run properly. Boards should not attempt to manage their libraries; they must see that the libraries are managed properly.

Policy determination and management are different roles:

• Policy determination relies heavily on the board's participation and knowledge.
• Management is the responsibility of the person hired by the
  library board to administer, direct, run the library.

The following comparative list shows the division between the complementary roles of the board of trustees and the library administrator:

Governance and Policy Making

Board of Trustees	Library Director
Determine the goals and objectives of the library and methods of evaluating progress toward meeting them. review goals and objectives annually and evaluate progress.	Provide assistance and direction to the board in setting goals and objectives and determining methods of evaluation. Provide information and opinion on how the library is progressing.
Relate the library and its programs to the community and its needs, discovered through systematic study of the community and through systematic analysis of library services.	Assist the board to know the needs of the community and how to respond to these needs through library services.
Determine and adopt written policies to govern the operation use, and programs of the library. Adopt bylaws for board procedures. Review policies on a regular basis, especially as part of the orientation of new trustees.	Recommend needed policies to the board and study examples and sources of information. Carry out the policies as adopted by the board. Interpret policies to the staff and public. Provide the board with recommendations and materials for study.
	Administer the library within the frame of the law and the library's goals and objectives, policies, and budget.
Seek a cooperative basis with officials of the municipality and other local governing units, keeping in mind the special legal responsibilities of a library board.