Announcing NEW Library Grant: Autism Welcome Here!

The "Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More" grant is sponsored by Libraries and Autism: We're Connected. This grant honors the groundbreaking work of Libraries and Autism co-founder Meg Kolaya for her contributions in promoting inclusion, connecting libraries and the autism community, and bringing awareness of the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families to the library community.
* Apply Online Here Grant Description Each year, a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded. Depending on the applications received, one grant for the full amount or multiple grants for smaller amounts totaling $5,000.00 may be awarded. Any type of library can apply and the proposal can fund projects and services for any age group. Applicants may propose to initiate a new, creative program or service, bring an already-existing, successful program or service to their library for the first time, or enhance a program or service they already offer. All programs or services proposed must benefit people with autism or their families, directly or indirectly. Funds may be used to hire a trainer to present a workshop, to buy program materials, to pay for staff, etc.   Criteria for Selection: Applications will be judged on the basis of: The project is clearly described and well thought out. There is institutional support for the program or service. People with autism, family members or other community stakeholders are involved in the development and/or implementation of the project. The program is one that would be replicable in other communities. The program or service is based on an understanding of the needs of people with autism and/or best practices in working with this population. The service or program will be sustainable after the end of the grant period. All questions must be answered, unless they are marked "optional". Completed applications must be submitted by December 1, 2015. The winner(s) will be notified by March 1, 2016. The grant funding period is April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017.   Please direct any questions to Barbara Klipper: barbaraklipper.librarian@gmail.com   * Apply Online Here   Grant Committee Members Renee Grassi - Youth Department Director, Glen Ellyn (IL) Public Library Barbara Klipper - Retired Librarian, Consultant and Trainer Meg Kolaya - Libraries & Autism, Library Connections, LLC Adria Nassim - Autism Self-Advocate Suaznne Schriar - Associate Director, Illinois Library Automation & Technology, Illinois State Library Debra Vines - Founder/Executive Director of The Answer, Inc. Dan Weiss - Director, Fanwood (NJ) Memorial Library; Libraries & Autism, Library Connections, LLC This grant is funded by Barbara Klipper, librarian and author of Programming for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ALA Editions, 2014) and The Secret Rules of Social Networking (AAPC Publishing, 2015), a one-of-a-kind resource for teens and young adults with ASD or other social skills deficits that outlines the unstated rules that guide relationships in the real world and online as well.