Grant funding for classrooms and school libraries throughout Appalachian Kentucky is available again this year through The Steele-Reese Foundation.

The foundation awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per year. Multi-year grants are available.

The grant deadline for 2017 is March 1.

A recorded webinar offering tips for submitting a successful application to the 2017 Kentucky program, led by Appalachian Director Judy Owens, is available here.

“Classroom teachers, school librarians and public librarians who offer special programming for children have found Steele-Reese a great resource,” Owens said. “We tailor our application to make it straightforward, so that even first-timers can be successful with us.”

In recent years, the foundation has funded supplemental programs for in school and after-school programs; as well as teaching materials, library upgrades and additional staffing for summer enrichment projects. Schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations benefiting school children ages preschool through grade 12 are eligible.

“The best way to start is to review our application form in our online application system,” Owens said. “Then, I suggest reviewing the section of the website ‘Guidelines and Grant Policy,’ as well as ‘For Kentucky Applicants.’ This, plus the webinar, should help you become fully informed as to what our trustees are seeking from successful applicants.”

Applicants may contact Owens by email at jkowensjd@aol.com.