Update: Minnesota Good Neighbor Grant Program

MALF is pleased to announce the first three recipients of our new Minnesota Good Neighbor Grant Program.

Friends of the Babbitt Library: Like many Minnesota communities, small Babbitt in St. Louis County is experiencing significant growth in its senior population (outpacing the state average by more than ten percentage points). Given this demographic trend, it is unsurprising that the library’s large print collections see heavy usage and long wait periods. The Friends received a $1,000 grant from MALF to augment this strained collection development line item, reducing wait times for high-demand new releases.

Marine Library Association: MarLA supports the volunteer-run Marine Community Library in Marine on St. Croix. Families in this part of Washington County must often drive 20+ minutes to the nearest county library. As a way to increase ready access to children’s books, the Friends maintain a popular Little Free Library at Lilleskogen Park in Scandia. MarLA sought and received a $300 grant from MALF to bulk buy a year’s worth of discounted titles to replenish this strategically placed LFL.

McGregor Friends of the Library: Aitkin County and those around it are home to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (Misi-zaaga’iganiing). As one of the county’s only two public libraries, the McGregor Public Library strives to provide culturally relevant materials and experiences for Ojibwe residents. The Friends received a $1,000 grant, with much of that sum earmarked for the acquisition of children’s books either written in the Ojibwe language or in English but featuring Ojibwe characters. The remainder will be used to purchase large print materials for McGregor’s growing senior population.

Inspired? There is still time for YOUR group to apply for a ≤ $1,000 grant. Friday, May 1 is the priority deadline to submit your request.

Applications must be submitted online via Google Forms. Be prepared to provide a 100–300-word answer to each of the following prompts:

(1) Describe the community need(s) you have identified and wish to address. What sector(s) of your community are you centering?

(2) Describe the project, initiative or program you wish to fund. Be as specific as possible. 

(3) How would a monetary award from the Good Neighbor Grant program support the creation of that program (if new) or bolster existing efforts (if already established)?

(4) If you received a Good Neighbor Grant, how exactly would you spend the money? If applicable, provide a line-item list of expected expenses.

It's really as simple as that!