The Mini Grants for Rural Libraries program, offered by Oregon Humanities, provides funding to rural and rural-serving libraries in Oregon to create and host community-focused humanities events. For 2025, a total of up to $50,000 in funding will be awarded, with a maximum grant of $5,000 per library. Libraries are encouraged to develop events reflecting the theme "The People and The Public," exploring topics such as public opinion, access to public spaces, and the distinctions between public and private life. Applicants can design events that align with their community’s unique needs and perspectives while interpreting the theme creatively.
Eligible applicants include public, tribal, community college, or volunteer libraries, or library branches located in or adjacent to rural or frontier zip codes in Oregon. Funding may cover one or multiple events, as determined by the applicant's proposal. Applications open on November 6, 2024, and close on January 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PT. Award decisions will be announced in early February 2025, with funded events taking place between February 17 and September 30, 2025. Final grant reports are due by October 15, 2025.
The grant application process includes an online form and optional support sessions, such as informational webinars and an application workshop. Applicants can attend these sessions to improve their submissions and learn about the grant's goals. Oregon Humanities also offers ongoing support to successful grantees in implementing and reporting on their projects. Previous grantees have highlighted the program's role in fostering community engagement and addressing critical local issues.
Proposals must align with the program’s focus on humanities-driven events and comply with funding restrictions. Examples of eligible events and activities, as well as details about ineligible uses of funds, are available through the Oregon Humanities website. Applications will be evaluated by a review committee using established criteria and scoring rubrics.
Interested applicants are encouraged to email grants@oregonhumanities.org with questions about the grant process or eligibility. Oregon Humanities staff are available during standard Pacific Time Zone business hours, Monday through Friday, to provide assistance.
