The Freedom to Learn Foundation (FTLF) is an emerging 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting equitable access to education, literacy, and First Amendment rights. In response to recent threats to public funding for libraries—particularly through cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—FTLF has launched the Essential Library Services Grant program.
This grant provides direct support to libraries serving rural and historically marginalized communities that have experienced a loss or threat to public funding. Our goal is to help preserve core library services and community access in areas disproportionately impacted by budget cuts, policy changes, and the erosion of government support for libraries.
Note: Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of books, digital content, or other media. Funds can be used for educational programming, library staffing, technological and digital infrastructure, safety and facility access, and community outreach. All funded activities must serve a charitable, nonpartisan, and public benefit purpose in compliance with IRS rules governing 501(c)(3) organizations.
Maximum Grant Award: $10,000
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Library Type: Must be a public library, or community-based library, within the United States or its territories with established operations. The applicant must be either:
- A unit of government or public subdivision (e.g., municipal or school-based library), or
- A U.S.-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or fiscally sponsored project operating exclusively for charitable purposes.
- Funding History: Must have previously received, or been eligible to receive, public funding for library services and operations from IMLS, state library agencies, or other regional/state/local sources.
- Funding Disruption: Must demonstrate that the library has experienced a loss, reduction, or credible threat of funding due to federal, state, or regional policy changes enacted in 2024 or 2025, by submitting a prior and current year’s budget showing the loss of such funding.
- Community Profile: Grants will be given to libraries that serve a community facing significant barriers to access, with preference being given to:
- Rural or remote communities
- Communities of color and tribal nations
- Immigrant or refugee populations
- Low-income or under-resourced school districts (e.g., Title I schools)
- Charitable Purpose Alignment: Must propose activities that further the charitable and educational purposes of FTLF, including advancing literacy, community engagement, access to information, and educational opportunity.
- Nonpartisan Use of Funds: Funds may not be used for any lobbying or political purposes, including activities designed to influence legislation or elections.
Eligible Uses of Funds:
FTLF grant funds may be used for the following direct, charitable, and nonpartisan purposes:
- Staffing Support
- Retaining or restoring part-time, youth services, or at-risk public-facing staff positions essential to operations
- Technology and Digital Infrastructure
- Maintaining or expanding internet and public computer access
- WiFi hotspots, connectivity, or digital inclusion programs
- Educational and Youth Programming
- After-school programs at risk due to funding cuts
- Summer enrichment programming serving underrepresented youth
- Safety and Facility Access
- Enhancements to staff and patron safety (e.g., lighting, security cameras)
- Improvements for safe public use and access to facilities
- Community Outreach
- Mobile or homebound library services
- Outreach programs targeting seniors, disabled residents, or isolated families
Ineligible Uses: Book or media purchases, curriculum-aligned instruction, political or advocacy campaigns, staff bonuses, indirect administrative costs not directly related to grant activities, or any purpose prohibited by IRS rules for 501(c)(3) charities.
Application Requirements:
All applications must be submitted as a single PDF or Word document and include the following:
- Narrative Statement (maximum 2 pages)
- Overview of the library and the community it serves
- Description of recent funding loss or threat and the resulting impact
- Explanation of how grant funds (up to $10,000) will preserve or restore core library services
- Proposed Budget and Timeline
- Itemized budget not to exceed $10,000
- Clear timeline for project implementation (must begin within 60 days of award)
- Organizational Status and Authorization
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) and verification of nonprofit or governmental status
- Name, title, and contact information for project lead
- Written confirmation or letter of authorization from library leadership or governing board
- Compliance Assurance
- Signed statement confirming funds will be used solely for charitable and nonpartisan purposes
- Agreement to provide a brief final report and receipts within 90 days of project completion
How to Apply:
Email your completed application to:
[email protected]
Subject line: FTLF Essential Library Services Grant Application – [Library Name]
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. FTLF will prioritize requests from libraries demonstrating urgent need or serving especially vulnerable communities. Funding decisions will be made within 3–4 weeks of receipt.
Maximum Grant Award: $10,000
Grant Monitoring and Reporting:
Grantees must retain all receipts and records of grant expenditures and submit a final report to FTLF within 90 days of the conclusion of the grant period. The final report should include:
- A brief description of how the grant funds were used
- Measurable outcomes or community impact (if applicable)
- Any challenges encountered or lessons learned
Noncompliance with grant terms may disqualify the recipient from future FTLF funding.
Questions?
Please direct questions about eligibility, the application process, or program guidelines to:
[email protected]
