Frequently Asked Questions
What type of libraries, organizations, or programs may apply for a grant?
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation library grant program provides grants for public libraries, school libraries, and charitable organizations [501(c)(3)] that have lending libraries where children up to age 18 may check out books to read or use for gathering information. The Foundation gives to libraries or organizations that serve economically or socially at-risk children, have limited book budgets, and demonstrate real need. We will also consider applications from non-profit abuse centers, rehab centers, detention centers, etc., as long as a lending library is actively maintained on the premises.
What type of programs may NOT apply for a grant?
The LLCF grant program does NOT provide grants for using children's books in adult literacy programs, creating or augmenting classroom collections, or for book-donation programs.
Our school is a high school. May we apply for a grant?
The
LLCF grant program no longer provides grants to high school libraries. K-12 schools or other schools that include both lower or middle school grades along with high school grades may apply for a grant, but all grant dollars must be used for books ranging from Early Reader books to Young Adult or Hi/Lo books, and are intended for children up to eighth grade.
May we use a LLCF grant to purchase any materials we wish?
LLCF grants are solely for the purchase of fiction and nonfiction trade books for young people. Grant funds may NOT be used to purchase textbooks, encyclopedias, atlases, dictionaries, basal readers or similar texts, or workbooks and like instructional tools.
May we apply for grant funds to be used for audio books?
Grant applications for audio books will be considered only in the cases of children with special needs, where audio books would be particularly appropriate in addressing those needs.
May we send in a single application for an entire school district? May we send in a single application for an entire regional or county library system?
Each library within a school district or within a regional library system is required to apply separately. We recommend that in such situations only the libraries with the greatest need be selected to apply.
We are a new library. May we apply for a grant to help us fill our empty shelves?
Only libraries that have been in operation for three or more years are eligible for a LLCF library grant.
May we apply for a grant for programs that provide books overseas?
Unfortunately, we are limited to providing grants to programs within the United States, its commonwealths, or territories.
May we submit the application electronically?
No, all applications must be sent in paper form.
Is the due date the date the applications must be received or the last acceptable date for a postmark?
The due date is the last day that the application may be postmarked.
Do you have an electronic version of the application that we may download?
The application is in PDF format and may be filled in on a computer. Once filled in, the information must be printed, signed, and dated, and sent by mail.
May we fill in the application by hand?
Yes. Print the application and fill it in using ink. You may request that we send you a blank application via mail by writing to us or by sending an email.
Did you receive our application?
If you would like acknowledgement of receipt of your application, enclose a stamped, self-addressed post card with your completed application with the following in the message panel: “This acknowledges receipt of my application for a Lois Lenski Covey Foundation grant.” Please allow 4 weeks for us to return your post card before inquiring as to the status of your application. If after 30 days you have not received your acknowledgement post card, email or write Michael Covey at the address provided on the Contact Us page.
How will we know if we received a grant?
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will only contact grant recipients. Contact will be in the form of a congratulatory letter, a check, and a form for documenting the book purchases. A list of recipients will be posted on the “News” web page of the LLCF web site. The list of grantees will be available on the web site by 21 December.
What can we do to improve our chances of receiving a grant?
The best thing you can do is respond to application questions as specifically and directly as possible. We look carefully at every application we receive. It is, of course, essential that you review the application form to be certain your library is eligible for a grant; i.e., a library must serve disadvantaged populations and must demonstrate real economic need and evidence that their collection is in need of development or updating.
Why did we not receive a grant?
We receive many more applications than we are able to fund. Unfortunately, there are many organizations and libraries struggling to meet the needs of their young reading patrons.
May we see the scores and comment that our application received?
We do not provide “scores” or comments to applicants.
May we see an example of a grant application that was successful?
We do not send copies of completed grant applications to other applicants.