Library Collections & Programming Grants

The Library Collections & Programming Grants are offered by the Roundhouse Foundation, a private philanthropic organization that supports community-based initiatives across Oregon, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The foundation prioritizes projects that strengthen local capacity, improve access to resources, and enhance quality of life. Through this grant program, Roundhouse specifically targets libraries as essential community anchors, recognizing their role in education, information access, and community engagement. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support either programming activities or collections development within school and public libraries serving rural or remote Oregon communities with populations under 40,000. Grants are structured to allow flexibility in addressing local needs, with funding available for activities such as educational programs, community events, or the acquisition of books and materials that expand or strengthen library collections. However, for programming projects that include book purchases, no more than 50 percent of the grant funds may be allocated toward those materials. Applicants are encouraged to tailor requests to actual needs, as funding is limited and competitive. Funding amounts vary by applicant type and project scope. School libraries may request up to 2,000 dollars for single-school projects or up to 5,000 dollars for district-level initiatives, while public libraries may request up to 5,000 dollars. Applicants are limited to submitting one request per year, either for programming or collections, but not both. Funds are distributed until the annual budget is exhausted, making early application advantageous. There is no stated matching requirement for this grant. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are government entities, including special districts such as libraries and school districts, Tribal governments, or nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. College and university libraries, as well as county law libraries, are not eligible. Additionally, Roundhouse does not fund individuals, religious or faith-based organizations, private charter schools, or political activities. Applicants must also demonstrate that their service area meets the rural or remote population criteria. A signed letter of support from a library district director, principal, or superintendent is required, reinforcing institutional backing for the proposed project. The application process is conducted through Roundhouse Foundation’s online grants portal. Applicants must select the appropriate project type, provide details about their library and proposed activities or collections, specify the amount requested, and outline how funds will be used. Supporting documentation includes a required letter of support and may include additional materials such as budgets or project plans. Organizations that have not recently received funding must also submit governance and financial documentation, including board lists and annual budgets. Applications are accepted annually from June 1 through November 30, or until funds are exhausted. Submissions are reviewed monthly, and the evaluation process typically takes six to eight weeks. Projects scheduled to begin within four weeks of submission are generally not considered unless prior arrangements are made. Awardees are required to submit a final report within 12 months of the funding decision, detailing expenditures, successes, and challenges. This recurring annual cycle provides ongoing opportunities for eligible libraries to seek support for evolving community needs.

Right size funding requests to actual needs; coordinate across districts to avoid duplication; ensure strong institutional support letter; clearly describe community impact