Requirements and Guidelines

Purpose of the grant:

To help public libraries and public libraries with bookmobiles in Dollar General communities add or expand literacy services for adult English language learners. Each funded library will receive a onetime grant of $5,000.00.

Eligibility

  • Must be a public library with a demonstrated need and the capacity to provide literacy services for adult English language learners.
  • Must be located within 20 miles of a Dollar General Store, distribution center, or corporate office (please visit the Dollar General’s Store Locator online).
  • Please note:  Library systems and libraries that have previously received an American Dream Starts @ your library grant are not eligible to apply in this new round. For more information contact Dale Lipschultz at dale@americandreamtoolkit.org.

    Guidelines for completing and submitting the Application

  • The completed online application, must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (eastern), Sunday, February 28, 2010. Funded libraries will be notified by April 2, 2010. Funds will be distributed May 1, 2010
  • All applications must be submitted online
  • Click here to preview and print PDF copy of the online application and budget.
  • Applications can be saved, accessed, and edited prior to submitting the final copy.
  • Saved applications can be accessed by clicking here and entering your application number.
  • Please save a copy of the completed application for your files.

    Grant Requirements

    The project year is May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011

    If funded, grantees must:

    • Participate in a 60 minute media training session with ALA’s Public Information Office (PIO) via conference call.
    • Promote the American Dream Starts @ your library using the @ your library trademark, the ALA logo, and the Dollar General logo.
    • Inform local and statewide library networks, including your state library association, of the ALA/Dollar General grant and your project.
    • Contact/inform your local Dollar General store regarding the ALA grant and your project.
    • Contribute print and online resources, including library profiles, to the American Dream toolkit and website.
    • Spend or allocate grant funds within 180 days of receipt.
    • Submit quarterly reports to ALA’s project manager.
    • Submit a comprehensive final report to ALA documenting your library’s accomplishments, the impact of the project, and your use of funds.

    Checklist of Materials submitted online

    • Completed cover page with full contact information for the library director and project coordinator.
    • 600 word narrative describing the proposed project.
    • Completed budget form including a dollar amount for inkind contributions, if possible.

    Need Assistance?
    Grant-related questions: Dale Lipschultz, OLOS Literacy Officer, dale@americandreamtoolkit.org or 708-308-2977

    Technical support: Tim Ponder at tponder@zhost.net or 865-310-6556

    General support: John Amundsen, OLOS Communications Specialist, jamundsen@ala.org or 312-280-2140

    Contact Email
    The email above is required to be able to retrieve draft applications for editing and completion and will be used as a contact email if there are any questions about the aplication.