AASL Board of Directors

Hi AASL Board of Directors,

I'm going to preface this request by noting that the Kellogg Foundation (the grant sponsor) specifically asked for community promotion of the grant, not an official press release or social media posts.  It's been a difficult balance-  getting the opportunity out to AASL members while avoiding unwanted attention from a larger/non library audience.  This opportunity has been in the Friday Forecast, sent to Chapters, and posted in ALA Connect, but please don't share it on social media or other open platforms. 

And now for the ask... The deadline to apply for a National Day of Racial Healing Grant is tomorrow, and we currently have more funds than applicants.  The grants are up to $2,000, and applicants simply need to submit a "two-page narrative that allows the applicant to describe their need and how they will use the funds. The following documentation is required with the two-page narrative: a project plan that includes a timeline, the number of students, community members, and/or patrons the stipend will reach, a list of key staff and partners involved in the event, plus a short biography of each, and an itemized budget."  

If you, or someone you know, may be interested in this grant, please consider applying or passing along - National Day of Racial Healing | American Association of School Librarians

We may need to consider rewriting what is required in the two-page narrative, as I wonder if it might seem like a lot, and really it doesn't need to be.  The event must happen between January 15 and February 1, 2027, but the funds can also be used for books for the school library collection or activities that will continue using the event as a springboard.   Last year, grant recipients hosted author talks, invited community guest discussions, mural painting, poetry slams, and family nights, among other ideas.  Applications don't need to be exactly $2,000, either, so you don't need to budget for exactly $2,000 to be considered.

I know this is last minute, but the application won't close until Midnight (Pacific). 

Thank you all so much,

Allison