Paul Post Fund for Libraries in Vermont

The Paul Post Fund for Libraries, administered by the Vermont Community Foundation, is designed to support Vermont-based libraries in their efforts to promote literacy among young adults. The Fund reflects the legacy and intent of Paul Post, whose vision centers on fostering a love for reading through direct community engagement, particularly among younger demographics. The fund prioritizes initiatives that go beyond the mere addition of books to library collections, seeking to encourage interactive, impactful literacy projects that draw young readers into sustained and meaningful reading habits. The primary goal of the Paul Post Fund is to empower school, municipal, and public nonprofit libraries across Vermont to implement projects that engage young people in reading. Examples of eligible projects include the acquisition of books (including graphic novels and e-books) that are incorporated into programming, reading enrichment activities, author workshops or seminars, and even modest capital improvements to children’s or young adult sections of libraries. By focusing on these activities, the fund aims to elevate literacy engagement levels, foster literary curiosity, and make libraries more accessible and appealing to youth. Applications for the Paul Post Fund open annually on January 1 and are accepted on a rolling basis. This provides Vermont libraries with the flexibility to submit proposals throughout the calendar year without the pressure of a fixed deadline. Beginning in 2026, all applications must be submitted electronically through the Community Foundation’s Online Grants Manager (OGM). This system requires applicants to either create a new account or log in with existing credentials. To aid in preparation, a sample application is available for preview in PDF form, though it cannot be submitted as the actual application. Applicants are required to submit basic institutional and contact information, specify the amount requested (between $250 and $1,000), and provide a project narrative not exceeding two pages. The narrative should clearly outline the project’s goal, explain the problem being addressed, describe the planned activities, and outline methods for evaluating the project’s success. Additionally, a detailed budget is necessary, including both income and expenses associated with the proposed project. These elements are designed to ensure transparency, feasibility, and alignment with the Fund’s objectives. There is no matching requirement for this grant, making it accessible to smaller libraries that may have limited financial resources. Awards are modest in size but intended to be catalytic, providing seed funding for creative literacy initiatives. The Foundation will determine the number of grants awarded annually based on the volume and quality of applications received. Notifications are issued on a rolling basis as applications are reviewed. For inquiries regarding the Paul Post Fund, applicants may contact Jennifer Barrett via email at [email protected] or by phone at 802-828-7891. The Vermont Community Foundation is headquartered at 3 Court Street, Middlebury, VT 05753. Additional information, including resources for registering with the Online Grants Manager, can be found on the Foundation’s For Nonprofits webpage.