Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries

The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries is an initiative supported by the George W. Bush Presidential Center, aimed at enhancing the educational experience of students by improving access to diverse and updated reading materials. This foundation is especially focused on the nation’s neediest schools, enabling them to expand and modernize their school library collections with books, e-books, and magazines. Through these efforts, the foundation seeks to nurture a love of reading and lifelong learning among students in underserved communities. The 2025 grant cycle is currently accepting applications. Schools applying must follow specific steps, including account creation on the Communities Foundation of Texas platform, entry of a specific access code (LBF2025), and completion of all required documentation. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CT on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The program is managed administratively by Communities Foundation of Texas, which supports applicants through technical and logistical aspects of the process. The scope of funding for this grant is strictly limited to library materials. Funds may be used to purchase books, e-books, and magazines requested as outlined in each school's proposal. However, expenditures on shelving, furniture, equipment such as computers or electronic readers, staffing, software, videos, guides, tests, exams, or classroom book sets are expressly prohibited. This narrow funding scope ensures that the resources directly benefit the literacy and reading development of students through appropriate library materials. Eligibility requirements are stringent. Public schools must qualify for Title 1 status. Charter, magnet, and neighborhood schools are also eligible if they meet this criterion. Private and parochial schools must demonstrate that at least 50 percent of their student population qualifies for financial aid. A functioning school library or a designated space with student-accessible books is mandatory. Additionally, a certified librarian or another paid professional must oversee the library collection. The school principal must provide digital certification via the application, and financial documents such as a W-9 and either a voided check or an official bank letter must be submitted. Award notifications will be issued in Spring 2026. Grant recipients must finalize the Grant Agreement within 30 days of notification; failure to do so will result in disqualification. All awarded funds must be fully spent by December 31, 2026. This ensures that the resources are utilized effectively within the intended academic cycle. For questions, applicants can reach out via email at laurabushfoundation@bushcenter.org. The George W. Bush Presidential Center, located at 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75205, is the main contact location, and additional general inquiries can be directed to (214) 200-4300 or info@bushcenter.org.