Community Collaboration Grant

The Community Collaboration Grant is designed to provide libraries with up to $7,000 in funding for a partnership project with non-library entities. Grant funding is awarded through a competitive application process, with the ultimate goal of promoting community-wide partnerships. All grant applications are reviewed by the Legacy Committee, a Committee of the SELCO Board. Funding is awarded based on the quality of the partnerships, the ability to accomplish the proposed grant obligations, the inclusion of clear and measurable outcomes, the benefits to the library and the community, and the overall clarity of the application.

Smaller libraries, or those with less staff time to dedicate to project planning, may wish to partner with other libraries on a proposal. Each library involved in the application is eligible to receive up to $7,000 in funding. As a result, the total budget amount for an application involving multiple libraries may exceed $7,000. Please also consider applying for the non-competitive Community Reads Grant and/or hosting a Vetted Program to fulfill your library's programming needs. These have been designed to reduce the amount of time and effort required of library staff.

Requirements

• Applicants must be SELCO members (public libraries).

• Please make sure to thoroughly read all instructions, for both the application and the evaluation, prior to submission.

• ACHF funding cannot be used to replace or reduce (i.e. supplant) a library’s normal funding stream for activities. ACHF monies are to support library projects that are in addition to those supported with state or local funds (i.e. supplement).

• SELCO will act as the fiscal agent for all Community Collaboration programs, either paying invoices directly or reimbursing libraries for expenditures.

• Publicity is required for all Legacy-funded programs, more information will be provided upon application approval.

Draft Application FAQs

Why is a draft application required?

In past years, the Legacy Committee has had to reject many projects that could have been approved if the library was given a month or two to address questions/concerns that the Committee had after reviewing their application. The hope is that this process will allow libraries the time to address the Committee's feedback and strengthen their application for an increased chance at approval, without having to wait an additional year to try and apply again

What is required for the draft application?

Required

• Narrative application rough draft

• Budget spreadsheet rough draft

Not Required

• Specific details such as scheduling and exact budget amounts.

• Letters of support from partners

What happens after I submit my draft application?

After you submit your draft proposal, the members of the Legacy Committee, which is a Committee of the SELCO Board review all the applications. The Committee then meets to discuss each project and provide agreed-upon feedback to the applicant to help them prepare their final application. Feedback may include required changes, optional/suggested changes, and questions to clarify details and/or address concerns.

When will I receive feedback on my draft application? How will the feedback be delivered?

Within a week of the Committee meeting (three weeks following the draft deadline), SELCO's Legacy Program Librarian will schedule a meeting with the coordinator of each potential project, as well as any other involved parties, to share the feedback provided by the Committee and discuss next steps.