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Equity of Access Pathfinders
Arrow Equity of Access: Funding Sources for Digital Inclusion by Brigitta M. Cersovsky
 

The challenge of the digital divide, according to an ALA Office of Information Technology Policy brief, "goes to the heart of the mission of libraries to provide equitable access to information for all." This mission, the brief states, is a "key reason that libraries are indeed central to Digital Divide solutions and partnerships." Libraries can improve their central position "by strengthening the collaborative work within the library community and increasing collaborative efforts with others in the government, corporate, and non-profit sectors. The dilemma of this course of action is the severe under-funding or lack of funding for many libraries, especially small and rural libraries. Therefore, in the name of the Digital Divide, the library community must also advocate for sustaining and improving funding of libraries in order to address this challenge." (OITP Policy Brief: Libraries and the Digital Divide. Prepared by Saundra L. Shirley. ALA Office for Information Technology Policy: http://www.ala.org/oitp/digitaldivide/brief/_dd_libraries.html.)

The following information provides resources for libraries seeking funding assistance in order to help bridge the digital divide and thus foster digital inclusion. The information includes organization/foundation names, website addresses, and brief abstracts of the funding programs derived from the websites cited. Information or descriptions excerpted directly will be indicated in quotes.

Sources for Library Technology Funding:

  1. The ALA/Information Today, Inc. Library of the Future Award
    http://www.ala.org/work/awards/appls/lofappl.html
    Donated by Information Today, Inc., this $1,500 annual grant honors "an individual library, library consortium, group of librarians, or support organization for innovative planning for, applications of, or development of patron training programs about information technology in a library setting." Award criteria include benefits to clients and to the "technology information community," "public relations value," "impact on library operations, [and] the impact on the perception of the library or librarian in the work setting and to the specialized and/or general public." ("The ALA/Information Today, Inc. Library of the Future 2003 Application Form." ALA Awards, Grants, and Scholarships. 2002. American Library Association. < http://www.ala.org/work/awards/appls/lofappl.html>.)

  2. Carroll Preston Baber Research Grant
    http://www.ala.org/alaorg/ors/baber.html
    This grant is awarded annually to one or more librarians or library educators who are American Library Association members and who are planning to conduct "innovative research that could lead to an improvement in services to any specified group(s) of people." The grant jury welcomes proposals featuring "innovative uses of technology." ("Carroll Preston Baber Research Grant Guidelines." ALA Awards, Grants, and Scholarships. 2002. American Library Association. <http://www.ala.org/alaorg/ors/baber.html>.)

  3. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
    http://www.gatesfoundation.org/libraries/uslibraryprogram/grants/default1.htm
    US Library Program Grants
    These grants are awarded in support of "broad funding for hardware, technical assistance, and training to public libraries." The program operates through "cooperative relationships between state library agencies, schools of library and information science, and local public libraries within a state." Some grants also have been awarded "to support implementation efforts and for research related to the Internet and public libraries serving areas of poverty." ("U.S. Library Program Grants." Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Libraries. 2002. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. <http://www.gatesfoundation.org/libraries/uslibraryprogram/grants/default1.htm>.)

  4. Institute of Museum and Library Services ? Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) http://www.imls.gov/grants/library/gsla_cos.htm
    Through the 1996 Library Services and Technology Act (a section of the Museum and Library Services Act), the Institute of Museum and Library Services provides funds to state library agencies who may use the monies "to support statewide initiatives and services" or may distribute them ("through competitive subgrant competitions or cooperative agreements") to public, school, academic, special and research libraries in their states. LSTA priorities for this funding include "activities using technology for information sharing between libraries and between libraries and other community services" and "programs that make library resources more accessible to "urban, rural, or low-income residents and others who have difficulty using library services." ("Program Overview: Grants to State Library Agencies." Library Services. 2002. Institute of Museum and Library Services. < http://www.imls.gov/grants/library/lib_gsla.asp#po>.)

  5. SIRSI's Leader in Library Technology Grant
    http://www.ala.org/work/awards/appls/sirsi.html
    This $10,000 annual grant, donated by the SIRSI Corporation, is awarded "to encourage and enable continued advancements in quality library services for a project that makes creative or groundbreaking use of technology to deliver exceptional services to its community. Eligible libraries are public, academic, school, and special (i.e., medical, law, government, corporate, or museum)." ("SIRSI's Leader in Technology Grant 2003 Application/Nomination Form." ALA Awards, Grants, and Scholarships. 2002. American Library Association.
    <http://www.ala.org/work/awards/appls/sirsi.html    >.)

  6. The Tocker Foundation
    http://www.tocker.org/
    The Tocker Foundation distributes funds primarily to assist, support, and encourage small rural Texas libraries. The foundation currently is working to help in extending "public library services to areas without service or with inadequate service." Additionally, the Tocker Foundation works "to meet the particular needs of the individuals within the communities, including those with limited English speaking abilities¡¦ [to] assist libraries that serve as community information referral centers and those that provide literacy programs for adults and school dropouts in cooperation with other organizations¡¦[and to] work with those libraries that wish to extend access through the effective use of technology." ("Tocker Foundation." 2002. Tocker Foundation. <http://www.tocker.org/>.)

  7. Universal Service Administration Company (E-Rate Discount)
    http://www.sl.universalservice.org/apply/
    In 1997, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Universal Service Order to offer discounts (from 20 to 90 %, with a $2.25 billion annual cap) on telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries. The discounts are supported by the FCC's Universal Service Fund, which is administered by the not-for-profit Universal Service Administration Company. The Schools and Libraries Division of USAC administers the Schools and Libraries Support Mechanism that provides the discounts.("Program Description." How to Apply: Step-by-Step. 2002. Universal Service Administrative Company, Schools and Libraries Division. < http://www.sl.universalservice.org/data/doc/ProgramDescriptionY5.doc>.)

Sources for Technology / Sources for Non-Profits:
(Entities in this category award grants specifically to fund technology and/or specifically to support non-profit organizations. Libraries are not mentioned explicitly among grant recipients; however, they are not explicitly excluded.)

  1. Peter F. Drucker Award for Non-Profit Innovation
    http://www.pfdf.org/award/
    The $25,000 annual Peter F. Drucker award is presented to a non-profit organization "in recognition of a program that has made a difference in the lives of the people it serves -- producing results that exemplify Peter Drucker's definition of innovation: Change that creates a new dimension of performance." The Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management established this award in 1991. ("Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation." 2002. The Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management. < http://www.pfdf.org/award/>.)

  2. William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
    http://www.hewlett.org/
    This foundation is committed to strengthening the financial base and increasing the efficiency of the non-profit sector through granting funds to support activities in "conflict resolution, education, environment, family and community development, performing arts, population, and U.S.-Latin American relations." ("The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation." 2002. William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. < http://www.hewlett.org/>.)

  3. HP Philanthropy in the U.S.
    http://webcenter.hp.com/grants/us/
    Through its U.S. Grants Program, Hewlett-Packard is "working to narrow the digital divide." Some current grant initiatives include community technology centers, initiatives in mobile technology solutions, institutes for women and technology virtual development centers, and HP's "digital village." Hewlett-Packard will give equipment and cash donations but does not accept requests from organizations that are not tax-exempt. ("HP Philanthropy in the U.S." Hewlett ?Packard Philanthropy. 2002. Hewlett-Packard. <http://webcenter.hp.com/grants/us/>.)

  4. HUD's Neighborhood Networks
    http://www.hud.gov/nnw/nnwindex.html
    In 1995, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development created a community-based initiative called Neighborhood Networks. Through public and private partnerships, Neighborhood Networks has established "multi-service community technology centers." These centers make technology and technology programs (i.e., Internet access, computer training, adult education classes, youth services) accessible to residents of insured and assisted housing. The Neighborhood Networks website offers links to explain the steps involved in starting a new center or in finding an existing center. ("About Neighborhood Networks." HUD's Neighborhood Networks. 2002. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. < http://www.hud.gov/nnw/aboutnn/whatisnn/nnwfaq.html>.)

  5. IBM Grant Programs
    http://www.ibm.com/ibm/ibmgives/grant/
    IBM provides equipment donations and monetary grants in the areas of education, adult education and workforce development, arts and culture, communities in need, and the environment. IBM grants focus on demonstrating how technology can enrich and expand access to services offered in the aforementioned areas. IBM only considers grant applications from non-profit organizations.

  6. Intel National and Community Grants
    http://www.intel.com/education/grants/k12/grants.htm
    The Intel Foundation national and community grants are available to tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations or publicly funded academic institutions. These grants are intended "to improve science, math and technical education, improve the effective utilization of technology in classroom teaching; broaden access to technology, and increase the number of people, especially women and minorities, pursuing technical careers." ("Intel National and Community Grants." Intel Innovation in Education. 2002. Intel. < http://www.intel.com/education/grants/k12/grants.htm>.)

  7. Microsoft Giving
    http://www.microsoft.com/giving/Home.asp
    Microsoft Community Affairs, which administers all of Microsoft Corporation's giving programs, supports eligible non-profit organizations through monetary grants, in-kind donations, technology, and ideas. Microsoft's "technology focused giving" is based upon "expanding opportunities through technology access, strengthening non-profits through technology, developing a diverse technology workforce, and building community." This website features a link to a brief quiz which can determine grant eligibility status. ("Microsoft Giving." Microsoft Community Affairs. 2002. Microsoft. < http://www.microsoft.com/giving/Home.asp>.)

  8. David and Lucile Packard Foundation
    http://www.packfound.org/
    This foundation, founded in 1964, awards grants to non-profit organizations in the broad program areas of "conservation; population; science; children, families, and communities; arts; and organizational effectiveness and philanthropy." The foundation provides national and international grants and has a special focus on the Northern California Counties of San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. ("The David and Lucile Packard Foundation." 2002. David and Lucile Packard Foundation. < http://www.packfound.org/>.)

  9. PowerUP
    http://www.powerup.org/
    PowerUp is comprised of non-profit organizations, major corporations, and state and federal government agencies that have installed computer centers in schools, public housing complexes, youth facilities, and community centers in order to offer access to Internet content to underserved young people. PowerUp seeks to publicize the digital divide and help bridge it through helping to provide technology, funding, trained personnel, and in-kind support. The website offers links on how to become a PowerUp Center if "you are/are not affiliated with one of PowerUP's National Youth Serving Partners." Among PowerUp's benefactors are organizations or foundations that fund seekers may want to contact individually regarding grants: AOL Time Warner Foundation, http://www.aoltwfoundation.org/; the Case Foundation; Cisco Systems, http://www.cisco.com/; Hewlett-Packard, http://www.hp.com/; the Waitt Family Foundation, http://www.waittfoundation.org/. ("About Our Centers." Welcome to PowerUp. 2002. PowerUp: Bridging the Digital Divide. < http://www.powerup.org/about_our_centers.shtml>.)

  10. Public Welfare Foundation
    http://www.publicwelfare.org/grants/technology_assistance_fund.asp
    The Public Welfare Foundation's Technology Assistance Fund provides grants to under- $300,000-a-year budget organizations, currently supported by the Foundation, "for the purpose of initiating or enhancing their computer and technology capacity. This Fund, by providing up-to-date technology, will assist the organizations selected to participate in the growing network of support and advocacy available through the Internet." ("Technology Assistance Fund." Grants & Evaluations. 2002. Public Welfare Foundation. <http://www.publicwelfare.org/grants/technology_assistance_fund.asp>.)

  11. RealNetworks Foundation
    http://www.realfoundation.org/index.html
    The RealNetworks Foundation supports the projects of non-profit organizations that "enhance the quality of life where RealNetworks employees live and work, enable alternative voices or foster the right of free speech throughout the world, and broaden access to technology among underserved communities throughout the world." ("Funding Areas." 2002. RealNetworks Foundation. <http://www.realfoundation.org/funding/index.html>.)

  12. Verizon Foundation
    http://foundation.verizon.com/index.shtml
    Through grants, in-kind donations, volunteers, Internet training, and Web hosting services, the Verizon Foundation supports programs of non-profit organizations that "help bridge the digital divide, foster basic and computer literacy, help enrich our communities, and create a skilled workforce." ("Verizon Foundation." 2002. Verizon Foundation. < http://foundation.verizon.com/index.shtml>.)

Sources for Library Funding:
(Organizations in this category will give/have given grants to libraries. They do not specifically address library technology needs; however, they do not exclude such needs.)

  1. Corning Foundation
    http://www.corning.com/inside_corning/foundation.asp
    The Corning Incorporated Foundation "develops and administers projects in support of educational, cultural, community, and selected national organizations" and provides resources primarily for initiatives that "improve the quality of life in and near locations where Corning International is an active corporate citizen." This foundation has provided assistance to libraries.("Corning Foundation." Inside Corning. 2002. Corning. < http://www.corning.com/inside_corning/foundation.asp>.)

  2. Loleta D. Fyan Grant
    http://www.ala.org/alaorg/ors/fyan.html
    Loleta D. Fyan, 1951-52 American Library Association President, intended these funds be used "for the development and improvement of public libraries and the services they provide." Eligible applicants may include, but are not limited to, "local, regional or state libraries, associations or organizations, including units of the ALA; library schools; or individuals." Grant criteria stipulate that qualifying projects must improve and develop public libraries and their services, bring about changes in public library services "that are innovative and responsive to the future," contain the "potential for broader impact and application" beyond specific local needs, and must be able to be completed within a one-year time period. ("Loleta D. Fyan Grant Guidelines." ALA Awards, Grants, and Scholarships. 2002. American Library Association. < http://www.ala.org/alaorg/ors/fyan.html>.)

  3. Shell Oil Company Foundation
    http://www.countonshell.com/community/involvement/shell_foundation.html
    This foundation has distributed more than $20 million yearly across the nation "to selected qualified organizations that provide broad-based support in areas such as civic and public policy, community involvement, culture and the arts, education, environment, and health and human services." Libraries are included among the organizations that this foundation has supported in the past. ("Shell Oil Co. Foundation." Shell in the United States. 2002. Shell Oil Co. <http://countonshell.com/community/involvement/shell_foundation.html>.)

Other Resources:

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