News Release: Small-town public library grant applications due October 1

Date:                    August 20, 2012 Contact:               Reggi Carlson                             Communications Director, Nebraska Community Foundation                             (402) 323-7331; rcarlson@nebcommfound.org Small-town public library grant applications due October 1 Small-town public libraries have until October 1, 2013 to submit short-form applications for grants from the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund. The Fund was established to provide support for public libraries located in communities with populations less than 3,000. Once the short-form application is approved, a more detailed application must be completed and submitted by January 6, 2014. Grant awards are announced in March. The late Shirley Kreutz Bennett of Lincoln was a lifelong educator. She established the fund through the Nebraska Community Foundation because she wanted to help smaller communities gain better access to knowledge and information. Following Ms. Kreutz Bennett’s wishes, a fund advisory committee composed of her nieces and nephews recommends grants in three areas: planning grants leading to accreditation; enhancement grants to improve library services and/or programs; and facilities grants for new facilities or the renovation, restoration or rehabilitation of current libraries.  All grants require a certain level of matching funds and evidence that the project has broad community support.  Approximately $70,000 is available each year. Grant seekers are encouraged to review the guidelines and application procedures at www.nebcommfound.org/fund/kreutzbennett. Earlier this year, grants were approved in eight communities: Albion, Ashland, Hildreth, Mitchell, Osmond, Valley, Walthill and Wausa. For more information, contact Reggi Carlson, NCF Communications Director, (402) 323-7331 or rcarlson@nebcommfound.org. ##### ________________________________________ Nebraska Community Foundation Reggi Carlson Communications Director PO Box 83107 | Lincoln, NE  68501-3107 Office:  (402) 323-7330 | Direct:  (402) 323-7331 | Fax:  (402) 323-7349 rcarlson@nebcommfound.org | nebcommfound.org | Facebook