ELF Blog
Resources
ALA "Light the Way" Grant
The Association for Library Service to Children, a Division of ALA, and Candlewick Press are sponsoring a one-time grant of $5,000 for a library conducting exemplary outreach to underserved populations. ELF libraries seem like the perfect recipient with their Children's and Literacy Services partnership.
Special children's populations may include those who have learning or physical differences, speak English as a Second Language, are in a non-traditional school setting or family setting such as teen parents, foster children, etc., and those who need accommodation service to meet their needs. Details about the grant and an application form are available at the ALSC website http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008590/alsc
Baby Basics Resources
The What to Expect Foundation has created materials for expectant mothers through their Baby Basics Program. Books are written at a lower readability level without talking down to the reader, or compromising the content and attactive appearance of the materials. The books are available in English, Spanish and Chinese and the accompanying planner can be ordered in any of 14 languages. Information about the Baby Basics Program and materials can be accessed at www.whattoexpect.org/baby_basics .
The What to Expect Guide on Immunizations is a new publication that guides parents in planning their child's immunization schedule as well as explaining the types of immunizations needed and their purpose. It can be downloaded free of charge from www.whattoexpect.org/resources/WhattoExpect_Guideto_Immunizations.pdf . It is also available in Spanish at www.whattoexpect.org/resources/WhattoExpect_Guideto_Immunizations_Spanish.pdf
Barbara Bush Foundation.
The Barbara Bush Foundation has announced the 2008 national grant competition for family literacy. The Foundation's grant-making program seeks to develop or expand projects that are designed to support the development of literacy skills for adult primary care givers and their children. This sounds like a opportunity for collaboration between Literacy Services and ELF! Approximately $650,000 will be awarded; no grant request should exceed $65,000. To download the application, go to the Barbara Bush Foundation website at http://www.barbarabushfoundation.com/wn.html
Funding Sources...American Legion, Verizon Foundation & American Academy of Dermatology
The "American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Grants to Help Children" is accepting proposals that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children throughout the USA. The foundation funds organizations that benefit children through innovative programming. Just think about the many creative ELF programs you are delivering for young children through collaboration with your partners when contemplating an application for these funds. The maximum award is $70,000 with an application deadline of July 1st. 501(c)3 organizations are eligible to apply. More details are located at http://www.legion.org/cwf/grantseekers/overview
The Verizon Foundation's mission is to increase literacy and educational achievement, reduce abuse and domestic violence, and promote health and safety. What a match for ELF programs and their partners! Verizon funds grants that address these issures through innovative programs. Proposals are currently accepted from eligible nonprofit organizations (501(c)3) and will continue through November 1, 2008. For information and an application form access http://www.foundation.verizon.com/grant/guidelines.shtml .
Libraries that promote sun safety and have a need to purchase permanent shade structures will be interested in this resource. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Shade Structure Program provides grants of up to $8,000 for the purchase of structures that provide shade and ultravviolet protection for outdoor areas. The academy also provides a permanent sign to be displayed near the shade structure promoting the importance of sun safety. To be considered, applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that serve children 18 and younger, are committed to sun safety and are sponsored by an academy member. To locate a local member visit the AAD's webpage " Find a Dermatologist." The RFP's link is at http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15013188/aadpublicgrants Other RFP's for children are located at http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_children.jhtml .
Grant Available for Children's Books - Due Date 9/15/08
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation founded by Lois Lenski the children's book author, annually awards grants to purchase books for preschool children through grade 12. Public Libraries are eligible for these grants that range from $500 to $3,000 with priority given to institutions that serve at-risk children, have limited budgets and exhibit a real need. An application and more information is available at www.loislenskicovey.org/index.html . The application submission deadline is September 15, 2008
Libri Foundation.
The Libri Foundation donates new hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries through its Books for Children program. Donated books are to be used for storytelling; early childhood development programs; and more. Grant awards are a maximum of $700 and are awarded three times a year. More information can be found at www.librifoundation.org.
More Kids Count Data.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released the eighteenth annual KIDS COUNT Data Book. It provides both a national and state-by-state data and statistical trends on the health, academic, and economic status of children throughout the nation. This year the report also looks at the 726,000 children across the nation who spend time in foster care each year. In addition, there is a special section that is particularly relevant to California that focuses on children in immigrant families. Information can be downloaded from the foundation's website at http://www.kidscount.org/sld/compare.jsp.
Oh, How Do Readers Grow!
"Cultivando el habito de la lectura" or "Cultivating Readers" with interactive, fun activities is a new resource designed for parents by the National Center for Family Literacy. This booklet available in both English and Spanish, is intended to support the development of pre-literacy and literacy skills from infancy through grade three. Colorful and engaging, this 12-page booklet can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.famlit.org/atf/cf/%7B3D0C0CE7-6FDA-40BA-88F3-AA78546501E7%7D/Cultivating%20Readers_NCFL_2008.pdf
Virtual Child Development Encyclopedia
A free online Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development is available through Canada's Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development. There are 33 scientific topics associated with psychosocial development from birth through age five that can be accessed. Check out the website at http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/en-ca/home.html