[Central Indiana Community Foundation](https://www.cicf.org)

September 2026 | March 2027

Up to $150,000 per year for one- or two-year projects; typical awards support program costs only.

Supports innovative, equity-driven library programs in Marion County, Indiana, focused on literacy, access, and community engagement (excludes general operations and capital expenses).

--- ## Description This grant supports public, academic, and high school libraries in Marion County, Indiana, through funding for innovative programs that promote literacy, equitable access to information, and community engagement. The focus is on projects that address disparities in library services, serve marginalized or underrepresented populations, and demonstrate creativity or new approaches to library programming. Grants are not intended for general operating expenses or capital improvements, and technology funding is only allowable when directly tied to the proposed program. Community input and program evaluation are required components of successful applications. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated): Library Fund Competitive Grant full application deadline (projected; second annual/biannual/fall cycle) - March 2027 (anticipated): Library Fund Competitive Grant full application deadline (projected; first annual/biannual/spring cycle) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award requests may be for up to $150,000 per year. - Grants may support one-year or two-year projects. - Only program-related costs are eligible; general operations and capital expenses are not funded. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants are: - The Indianapolis Public Library - Libraries at IU Indianapolis, Purdue University in Indianapolis, Marian University, and University of Indianapolis - Any Marion County high school library - Programs must be located in Marion County, Indiana. - Projects must be innovative, equity-driven, and designed with community input. - General operating costs, capital expenses (e.g., furniture), and technology not directly linked to the proposed program are ineligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [CICF SmartSimple platform](https://cicf.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp). - Applicants must register or log in, complete an organizational profile, and select the correct Library Fund Competitive Grant call. - Review the [SmartSimple 101 Guide (PDF)](https://indianapolisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SmartSimple101.-As-of-JAN-2023.pdf) for step-by-step instructions. - Prepare required documentation, including organizational financials, board lists, and evidence of community endorsement. - Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee of local librarians, using a published [grant rubric](https://indianapolisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Library-Fund-Competitive-Grant-Rubric.xlsx). --- ## Additional Information - Example programs include reading initiatives for neurodivergent youth, bilingual story times, digitization projects, makerspaces, author visits, and community-wide reading events. - Preference is given to projects that: - Increase various forms of literacy and access - Address disparities in library services for marginalized groups - Are community-endorsed and include evaluation mechanisms - Demonstrate innovative approaches to library roles or programming - Only technology directly supporting the program (e.g., makerspace equipment, accessibility tools) is eligible for funding. --- ## External Links - [Library Fund Competitive Grant Program Page](https://www.cicf.org/grants/libraryfund) - [CICF Grants & Scholarships Portal](https://cicf.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) - [SmartSimple 101 Guide (PDF)](https://indianapolisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SmartSimple101.-As-of-JAN-2023.pdf) - [Library Fund Competitive Grant Rubric (XLSX)](https://indianapolisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Library-Fund-Competitive-Grant-Rubric.xlsx) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |-----------------|-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Jamie Valentine | IF Senior Community Leadership Officer | [jamiev@indianapolisfoundation.org](mailto:jamiev@indianapolisfoundation.org) | 317.634.2423 | | CICF Grant Support | Technical Support | [GrantSupport@cicf.org](mailto:GrantSupport@cicf.org) | |

Library Fund Competitive Grant

Sign in to see full grant listing