Grants are available to help rural libraries in Nebraska.
A rural library is one that serves a population of 20,000 or fewer people. Rural libraries fill a very important role in their communities. They are a gathering point for the citizens as well as an educational institution. In 2007, the state librarian of California, Susan Hildrith, recognized that rural libraries face special challenges in serving their population. Her research found that much of the population in rural areas are considered working poor, and, in turn, the towns have limited funding to provide libraries. In addition, the library patrons have limited means of transportation to access the library facilities. Hildrith highlighted the American Library Association's 2004 survey of rural libraries that shows rural libraries' main concerns were poverty, illiteracy, population decreases and population increases. To help overcome these challenges and best serve their patrons, rural libraries can apply for grants to assist in providing needed programs and resources. In addition to federal funds, grants are available exclusively to rural libraries in Nebraska.
Nebraska Library Commission
The Nebraska Library Commission sponsors four grants that can be of assistance to a rural library in Nebraska. The Continuing Education and Training Grant provides funds for library employees to enhance their education to provide a better patron experience. This includes training for library board members and volunteers. In 2011, the grant award ranges from $500 to $5,000. The Internship Grant allows libraries to hire one or more interns of at least high school age. This helps to expose students to the library profession as well as provide needed library staff. Library Improvement Grants provide financing to help libraries develop their services for patrons as well as improve access. The Youth Grants for Excellence funds library projects aimed at children and young adults as well as expansion of youth services.
Nebraska Community Foundation
The Nebraska Community Foundation serves communities and non-profit groups in Nebraska through its affiliate funds. Many of the affiliate funds serve rural communities and help to provide financing to projects and institutions that better residents' lives. An example is the Red Cloud Community Foundation. According to the that foundation's website, Red Cloud's population is 1,204. In 1995, Red Cloud established the Foundation Fund, which has more than $300,000 in assets. The fund uses some of its assets to support Auld Public Library.
Kitty M. Perkins Foundation
The mission of the Kitty M. Perkins Foundation, named for the wife of the inventor of Kool-Aid, is to support charities dedicated to the betterment of rural communities. The foundation has a particular focus on helping communities in southwestern Nebraska with a priority given to medical and educational institutions, such as rural libraries. Grant applications can be submitted throughout the year with most funds awarded during the fourth quarter.
Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation
Incorporated in 1988, the Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation supports organizations in Nebraska and Iowa that provide leadership in the fields of "education, arts, agriculture, humanities and human services," according to the foundation's website. The foundation encourages matching grants when organizations apply for funding. The grants focus on institutions based in Nebraska City and Otoe County, Nebraska, that want to bring new and collaborative programing to their services or allow for needed research. While the foundation considers requests for operational support, it gives them low priority.
Tags: rural libraries, Community Foundation, affiliate funds, Charitable Foundation, foundation website, funds library
