Announcing the Community Grants Pilot Program
April 9, 2019
The Bibliographical Society of America is pleased to announce the launch of its Community Grants pilot program. In 2019, the Society will disburse five (5) grants, in amounts of up to $200 each, to support gatherings that promote the BSA mission and values and that can introduce the BSA to new audiences.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Community Grants program is open to all BSA members. If you’re interested in bibliography, and organizing an event, you’re eligible to apply for a BSA Community Grant! You might be a faculty member, a librarian, a member of the book trade, a book collector, a student, retired, or unaffiliated. If you’re not a member (or haven’t renewed for 2019 yet), click here to join or here to renew, and then you’re welcome to apply. Direct your questions about membership to bsa@bibsocamer.org.
What types of gatherings will you support?
Funds must be directed toward organizing a bibliographically oriented gathering, such as a social event, a conference, a symposium, a book launch, a discussion group, or a workshop.
How can I apply for a microgrant?
Simply fill out this form.
What can I do with the money?
You may use the funds toward honoraria, event space, food and beverage, materials/supplies, etc. You may not use funds to underwrite your own attendance of an event or gathering that you are not yourself organizing (that is, travel/hotel costs or conference registration fees are not eligible). That’s it!
No strings attached? Really!?
- We require that all sponsored events be open to both BSA members and the general public. We also ask you to publicize the event and track attendance.
- We ask all grant recipients for a short write-up on the success of their gathering, to be published on the BSA website.
- We will send you some BSA literature to distribute to attendees at the event, and ask that you acknowledge our contribution through an announcement and in the printed or electronic materials you distribute.
- Additionally, for the pilot program, we may ask you for feedback on our application and disbursement process, to help improve this program for future iterations.
Is there a deadline?
We have two deadlines in 2019: May 1 and September 30. Applications will be adjudicated on a first-come-first-served basis, i.e., if all funds are allocated in the May cycle, we will not open up applications for the September cycle.
How will I receive the funds?
Funds will be remitted as reimbursement against actual expenses incurred. You must keep and submit all relevant receipts.
This is great! But why only 5 grants?
Rather than roll out a full-fledged program, the Society’s Council approved funding for a 2019 pilot for three reasons:
- To assess the initial level of interest in the program
- To gather feedback for improving the process, from applicants as well as
recipients - To be prudent with allocation of funds from the Society’s operating budget
Council intends to review the results of the pilot in a 2020 meeting, and will determine the future of the program at that time.