Winnie Belle Learned Fund Grants to Public Libraries
Forecasted
Winnie Belle Learned Fund Grants to Public Libraries support Vermont public libraries’ youth programming to foster literacy, a love of learning, critical analysis, and intellectual exploration.
Funder: Vermont Department of Libraries
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $2,500 per library in the 2026 cycle; no required match
Summary: Supports Vermont public libraries’ youth programming that fosters literacy, learning, critical analysis, and intellectual exploration.
Key Information: Applicants must have a federal UEI, meet state insurance requirements, and pass a pre-award risk assessment.
Description
The Winnie Belle Learned Fund supports competitive grants to Vermont public libraries, with a preference for smaller libraries and projects supporting children and diversity. Managed by the Vermont Department of Libraries, the fund was created in 2007 by Dr. Burnett Rawson to honor Vermont educator Winnie Belle Learned. Annual distributions from the Rawson Family Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation sustain the program.
The 2026 cycle focused on actively engaging youth with the United States’ 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Vermont’s Statehood 250th anniversary, or both. Supported work included educator- and performer-led programs, programming delivered by museums and history centers, and directly related materials. Projects must advance literacy, a love of learning, critical analysis, and intellectual exploration. Collaboration among libraries and with schools, historical societies, and community partners is encouraged, provided one library leads the grant.
