Paul Post Fund for Libraries in Vermont

The Paul Post Fund for Libraries is a funding initiative administered through the Vermont Community Foundation. This foundation is a well-established philanthropic institution headquartered in Middlebury, Vermont, with a mission to enhance the vitality of communities across the state. The Paul Post Fund, in particular, was established to support Vermont libraries and is specifically targeted at encouraging and enhancing literacy among young adults. The fund prioritizes projects that directly contribute to increasing engagement with reading materials among this demographic, demonstrating a clear and consistent focus on youth literacy. The fund supports a variety of library-related projects that aim to enrich the reading experiences of young adults. Eligible projects may include the acquisition of physical books, graphic novels, and e-books, but with the stipulation that these materials must be incorporated into programming or initiatives beyond simply expanding the library’s collection. In other words, applications must propose how these materials will be actively used to promote reading among youth. In addition to collection development, the fund is open to proposals for reading enrichment programs, such as book clubs or other initiatives that actively involve young adults. It also supports seminars or workshops centered around reading, including events featuring visiting authors, and small capital improvements to enhance areas within libraries dedicated to young adult or children’s services. Only libraries located within the State of Vermont are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. Specifically, any school, municipal, or public nonprofit library operating within the state is considered eligible. All applicants must also comply with the broader guidelines provided by the Vermont Community Foundation for nonprofit applicants. These overarching guidelines are available through the foundation’s official website on their For Nonprofits page. Grants awarded through the Paul Post Fund are expected to range in size from $250 to $1,000. The exact number of grants to be awarded each year is determined at the discretion of the Foundation and may vary annually depending on the number and quality of applications received. While the fund does not specify a total program funding amount, the modest size of individual awards suggests a targeted and local scope. There is no indication that a matching contribution is required from applicants. Interested applicants should refer to the Vermont Community Foundation’s grant application portal for submission guidelines and deadlines. The specific opening and closing dates for applications are not listed in the provided information; however, applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to the fund contact for clarification. Jane Mulcahy serves as the primary contact for the Paul Post Fund for Libraries. She can be reached via email at jmulcahy@vermontcf.org or by phone at 802-388-3355 ext. 381. The Paul Post Fund represents a unique opportunity for Vermont libraries to develop creative, literacy-focused programs for young adults and make meaningful improvements to their facilities and services. Libraries seeking to foster a stronger culture of reading among youth are well-positioned to benefit from this funding opportunity. Timely engagement with the Foundation and thoughtful planning of project proposals will be key to maximizing the chances of receiving support through this fund.