Member Grants

2025 Multitype Grants Program

Traverse des Sioux Library System recognizes the invaluable role our members play in fostering community engagement, promoting literacy, and advancing lifelong learning. By offering grant funding to our members, we aim to empower them to further enhance their programs and services, ultimately enriching the experiences of library patrons. These grants can support innovative initiatives, such as expanding collection resources, hosting educational programs, or organizing cultural events that cater to diverse interests and needs within our community. Additionally, by investing in our members, we foster a sense of ownership and partnership, strengthening the bond between our library system and the individuals and organizations it serves. Through grant funding, we seek to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where creativity flourishes, knowledge is shared, and everyone has access to enriching resources and opportunities.

Grants may be used to help fund the following initiatives:

Collaborative Programming (available to all multi-type libraries): 

• Assist libraries of all types including museums, historical societies, and archives that are members of TdS in connecting with local community organizations to reach new and diverse audiences through collaborative programming.

• Assist libraries of all types including museums, historical societies, and archives to connect with each other and reach new and diverse audiences through collaborative programming between two or more libraries of different types.

Accessibility (available to public libraries):

• Enhance library services to patrons, especially those whose primary language is not English or who represent diverse backgrounds in other ways.

Innovative Marketing (available to all multi-type libraries):

• Support the purchase of materials, both permanent and consumable, that can be used to promote library services in a new or unusual way.

Individual Programming (available to all multi-type libraries): 

• Development of STEAM kits, Memory Kits, author/presenter for a virtual or in-person event that is not eligible for Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund grants, purchase of equipment or materials that enhance the library space or support ongoing or new programming.  

Collection Development (available to school libraries):

• To qualify for funding to purchase collection materials, applicants must agree to work with TdS to first develop a collection development policy and reconsideration form to align with HF 2497 5th Engrossment - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024). Sec. 6. [124D.901].  The grants must augment local budgets of school library media programs, not replace the materials budget. If the school does not have a licensed school library media specialist on staff, applicants must work with TdS to select titles.  Grant funds are limited to $1,500 per school district per school year.

Grants for academic and school libraries will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  The Minnesota Who Represents Me? map tool.

All grants will require the following:

1. A completed TdS Grant Application, which will include:

   1. A clear description of the planned initiative, target demographics, anticipated impact, and alignment with the grant's objectives.

   2. An itemized budget detailing the anticipated expenses associated with the project. This should include costs for staffing, materials, marketing, venue rental, training, technology, outreach, and any other relevant expenditures.

   3. A framework for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the project. This should include methods, such as a survey, for collecting feedback from participants, measuring usage statistics, assessing satisfaction levels, and documenting outcomes.  The evaluation method should allow the applicant to measure, at a minimum, the following data:

      • Number of participants or other relevant usage statistics.

      • The successful implementation of the planned initiatives.

      • Overall satisfaction level of those who were served by the project.

2. A completed TdS Final Grant Report Form, which will include:

   1. A final itemized budget detailing the actual expenses associated with the project.

   2. The documented outcomes based on the specific evaluation framework from the grant application.

   3. Receipts for all expenses for which the grantee is requesting reimbursement.

   4. Copies of thank you letters sent to state legislators. Who Represents Me

   5. Copies of marketing and advertising for the project that includes an acknowledgment of TdS’ support, if applicable.

Additional requirements for a Collaborative Programming project:

• Letters of Collaboration: Official letters from all partners expressing their commitment to the collaborative programming initiative. These letters should outline each organization's role, contributions, and support for the project.  A template is provided.

• Legal Documentation: Any necessary legal agreements or contracts between collaborating organizations, outlining responsibilities, liabilities, and intellectual property rights associated with the collaborative programming initiative.

Sample language to use in publicity: This program received funding support from a grant through the Traverse des Sioux Library System.

 Here is a link to our logo.

2025 Funding Limits by County and Library Type