Paul Post Fund for Libraries in Vermont

The Paul Post Fund for Libraries is a philanthropic initiative managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, an organization based in Middlebury, Vermont. The fund is designed to promote literacy and reading engagement among young adults in the state of Vermont by supporting programs and projects led by public, municipal, and school libraries. With a clear regional focus and a targeted demographic, the Paul Post Fund aims to enrich local communities by fostering reading habits and educational opportunities through direct support of library-based efforts. The fund prioritizes literacy programs that demonstrate a meaningful impact on young adult readers. It supports a range of projects that go beyond merely acquiring new materials. For example, proposals for the acquisition of books, graphic novels, and e-books are considered only when accompanied by a clear plan for usage that extends beyond expanding a library's collection. This approach underscores the fund’s commitment to fostering active literacy engagement rather than passive resource accumulation. In addition to material acquisitions, the fund supports programming such as reading enrichment activities, seminars, author visits, and workshops—all tailored to young adult audiences. It may also support small capital improvements that enhance the functionality and appeal of library spaces used by youth and children. These improvements can create more inviting and effective environments for young readers, which aligns with the fund’s mission to support literacy in ways that are both practical and innovative. To be eligible, applicants must be a school, municipal, or public nonprofit library located within Vermont. Furthermore, applicants are required to adhere to the Vermont Community Foundation's general applicant guidelines, which are detailed on the foundation’s For Nonprofits webpage. These baseline requirements ensure that all applicants meet a standard of accountability and mission alignment consistent with the foundation’s broader philanthropic strategy. The application process is straightforward but specific. Interested libraries must submit a proposal of no more than two pages via email to Jane Mulcahy at the Vermont Community Foundation. Proposals must include library and contact details, the requested funding amount (between $250 and $1,000), a clear project narrative addressing goals, rationale, planned activities, evaluation strategy, and a detailed itemized budget. The fund places importance on clarity, measurable outcomes, and strategic use of funds. As of 2025, the Paul Post Fund is not accepting new applications and is officially marked as closed. However, interested parties are encouraged to revisit the fund’s webpage in early 2026 for updated information regarding the next grant cycle. Jane Mulcahy serves as the main point of contact for inquiries and can be reached at jmulcahy@vermontcf.org or by phone at 802-388-3355 ext. 381. The fund’s recurring nature indicates its continued relevance and potential future availability to Vermont libraries seeking to enrich youth literacy through targeted projects.