Indiana Humanities is inviting libraries, schools, universities and nonprofit organizations to apply for up to $1,000 in grants to improve its collections by incorporating resources that feature diverse viewpoints and or address race-related topics. Digital or physical copies of books may be selected from a curated list.
“Libraries bridge gaps in our community as an essential source for knowledge and connection — we’re happy to do our part to expand their collections in this important subject area,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “We’re grateful to Lilly Endowment for providing this support to Indiana’s libraries and the Hoosiers who count on them.”
After George Floyd’s murder, Indiana Humanities officially started the Advancing Racial Equity Collection Development grants. These were first offered in 2020 when libraries in Indiana, like the rest of the country, saw an increase in demand for books and resources on racial equity and race-related topics. The surge in demand made it difficult for public libraries to fulfill the community’s needs.
In 2020 and 2021, the Lilly Endowment supported Indiana Humanities’ requests for funding to create the Racial Equity grant program. From there, libraries across Indiana purchased materials about racial injustice and race-related topics. Libraries picked these materials from a list of more than 400 titles curated by librarians from the entire state.
All libraries, including those in prisons, community centers and schools, are encouraged to apply. Indiana tax-exempt organizations, like senior citizens centers, are also able to apply, but in the application, these organizations must demonstrate how materials will be given for free within the local community. Grants cannot be used to purchase books or any other materials for one-time giveaways; these must be used for resources that will be available to multiple people over time.
Applications are open and are due April 19, 2024, by 5 p.m. (EST). Grantees will be notified by May 3, 2024. Up to 150 grants will be awarded.
Visit https://indianahumanities.org/grant/equity/ for more information.
