Grants

FOUNDATION FOR SOUTHERN TIER LIBRARIES
LIBRARY GRANT PROGRAM

Thanks to the generosity of you and other donors, since 2013 $117,000 in grants have been awarded to 32 libraries for innovative programs that enhance lives, for internet access that informs and educates, and for safety, security, and efficiency upgrades that meet the needs of public institutions.The Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries is a 501 (c) 3 corporation chartered in 2011 by the State of New York Department of Education. In partnership with friends, neighbors, and donors like you, the Foundation raises funds to strengthen library service to individuals throughout the Southern Tier Library System area.

$18,514 in 2023 Grants to Libraries 

  • Dorman Library (Bath)  $1,273   3-D Printer and Supplies for Maker Space
  • Bolivar Free Library   $1,050   Summer reading program events and materials
  • Modeste Bedient Memorial Library (Branchport)   $1,000   Equipment and materials for younger patrons
  • Wide Awake Club Library (Fillmore)  $1,130  Library of Things such as sewing machine, home repair tool kit, food dehydrator, pop-up canopy tent, and other
  • Genesee Library   $800  Reading and bean bag chairs, toys including building toys like Legos
  • Fred and Harriet Taylor Memorial Library (Hammondsport)   $1,000  Seed Library, related materials, and programming
  • Hornell Public Library   $975  Tool Lending Library expansion and programming
  • Montour Falls Library  $1,600  Concerts and music education at Farmer’s Market events
  • Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library (Odessa)   $1,475   Fostering Arts and Nature – passes materials and programming
  • Prattsburg Free Library  $1,000  Diversity, equity, and inclusion books for children through age 8
  • Pulteney Free Library  $700  Materials for take-home kits and three-week summer program; canvas boards for mosaic mural
  • Benedek Memorial Library (Savona)   $975   Shelving for new local history section
  • Scio Memorial Library   $1,450   Computer, monitor, keyboard, and scanner for circulation desk
  • Watkins Glen Public Library  $1,236  Furniture and equipment for teen space
  • Wellsville, David A. Howe Public Library   $1,250   Library Adventure program to provide family-style passes to museums, cultural centers, and recreational facilities
  • Whitesville Public Library   $600  Equipment for Library of Things such as popcorn popper, drill, bread machine, tool box, and garden tools

With 2021 donations and funding from Foundation’s online auction last Fall, the Foundation awarded $15,770 this year in grants to these local libraries: 

In 2020, the Foundation was excited to award $10,123 in grants to these local libraries:

With your help we provided $10,123 to fund projects which include wireless hotspots for loan to people without reliable internet access,  “Imagine Your Story” loan kits of materials, new shelving to support expanding services, equipment to provide maker space services for teens,  and computer equipment to maintain and expand services to library users.

In 2019, $12,440  in grants was awarded to these Southern Tier Libraries:

In 2018,  $9,275 in grants went to these local member libraries:

In 2017  $9,483 in grants to these local member libraries:

In 2016 $9,628 in grants were awarded:

 In 2015 grants totaling $11,794 were awarded:

In 2014, the Foundation provided $7,500 in grants:

In 2013, its first grant year, the Foundation awarded $2,500:

General Grant Guidelines

There is no restriction on types of projects for funding except that granted funds may not be used for normal library operations. Grant applications for project funding up to $1,500 each are being solicited. Grants with collaborative libraries or other institutions or agencies are highly encouraged.

Applications in letter form should use the following format not exceeding five (5) pages.

A. Name and Address of applying Institution
B. Name of Executive Director and/or Grant Overseer
C. Contact Information (telephone and e-mail address)
D. Brief History of the library including budgets for two previous years
E. Narrative outlining library services to the respective community
F. Total funds requested and proposed project budget including personnel
costs
G. Description of use of requested funds including impact on library
services, and estimated number of library patrons benefitting
H. Timing and Completion Date of Project
I. Signature of Executive Director or Grant Overseer

Successful applicants receiving grants will be expected to provide the following in the implementation of a project:
1. A final report must be sent to the foundation which reviews completion of the project, expenditure of funds versus initial budget, and impact of the project on library services;
2. Inclusion of the Foundation name must be listed as project funder in all communications and publications (print or electronic media);
3. Brief project review and presentation at the Foundation Annual Meeting in March. Reviews will also be included on the Foundation website.

Please send completed applications (three copies) by mail to:

Sherry Collins, President
Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries
9424 Scott Road
Painted Post, NY 14870

Closing date for receiving applications will be provided. Applications received after that date will not be considered.

Grant awards will be announced at the Annual Meeting of the Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries, to be held in the spring.

Questions about the grant program or process may be directed via e-mail to Sherry Collins –   sherryc784 @ hughes.net