2007 School-Based Library Mini-Grant

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The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation seeks to facilitate improvement in the academic outcomes of economically disadvantaged youth from birth through grade 8 in ways that lead to academic success and enhanced opportunities later in life. Of particular interest to the Foundation is the enhancement of student literacy skills.

This initiative provides funds to schools and school districts to purchase books for school or classroom libraries for use by students ages 5-13.

Funding Levels

1. The total amount available for this initiative is $400,000
2. Grant requests of up to $15,000 per school district will be considered.
3. Grant requests of up to $2,500 per private or charter school will be considered.
4. It is anticipated that 20-35 awards will be made.

Timeline

Due date for letter of application:       October 31, 2007

Awards made/checks distributed:       November 30, 2007

Eligibility Requirements

• Eligible organizations: 1) diocesan and public school districts; 2) charter schools; and 3) private schools.
• In Massachusetts: schools and school districts located in Essex County east of I-95, and Martha's Vineyard
  In New York: schools and school districts located in Erie and Niagara Counties.

Use of Grant Funds

Funds may be used to purchase non-consumable* books for school or classroom libraries for use by students ages 5-13.

Grant monies may not be used for:

• the purchase of text books
• the purchase of magazines or subscriptions to magazines
• membership subscriptions
• software or software licensing
• the purchase of office equipment, furniture or supplies
• staff salaries or other general operating expense
• the private benefit of any grant recipient or affiliated person
• the private benefit or use by any particular person

Application Procedure

Submission of:

1. A letter containing the following information:
   
   
   • geographic area served
   • student demographic information
   • amount requested
   • the school(s) or classroom(s) where the books will be housed
2. Budget and narrative for amount requested
3. Quote(s) for the proposed purchase(s)
4. Current year's operating budget including income and expense
5. IRS 501(c)(3) letter (if applicable)

All of the requested information must be received in order to be considered for a mini-grant.

Only one request per charter school, private school or school district will be accepted. The letter must be signed by the superintendent if the applicant is a school district or the school headmaster if the applicant is a private or charter school. Individual schools within a public or diocesan school district are not eligible to apply.

*non-consumable is defined as books that have a shelve life of at least three years

Selection Process

The following criteria will be used to select grantees:

• organization's compliance with application process
• statement of need and rationale for request

Reporting Requirements

Successful applications are required to submit a report identifying where the books are housed along with copies of receipts or paid invoices by January 31, 2008.

Send Letter of Application To:

Glenda M. Cadwallader
Executive Director
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation
90B John Muir Drive, Suite 100
Amherst, NY 14228-1148

Please note that letters of application must be received by 5:00 p.m. on October 31, 2007.
E-mailed or faxed copies are not accepted.

The Foundation is moving to larger office space!

Effective November 1, 2007 our address will be:
2351 North Forest Road
Getzville, NY 14068-1225