MLA Equity Fund Grants 2023 - 2024

MLA has many restricted funds that have been donated to us over the years, most with specific use attached. As we looked for ways to recognize the needs of underrepresented individuals within the library community, the MLA board approved a change to a fund that didn’t have any restrictions or ties. With the dollars already within the fund, and a commitment to fundraise each year to keep it a healthy resource, we proudly provide the MLA Equity Fund Grants.

MLA affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion by seeking the broadest participation of racially and ethnically diverse librarians and library support staff who provide leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services.

The MLA Equity Fund will be used as an individual grant geared toward the professional development of individuals currently underrepresented in the library profession. This fund will reduce financial barriers and uplift the professional development for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, North African, and Middle Eastern individuals by providing resources to be used for memberships, attendance at workshops, educational events or conferences of applicants’ choosing, or for other purposes that they believe increase their ability to impact and transform the library profession.

The 2023 - 2024 MLA Equity Fund Grants will be awarded for activities occurring between July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Requests up to $1,000 will be considered. Partial funding of a request is possible. Not all applicants will be funded.

The application form will open on Monday, April 17, 2023, and all application materials are due to MLA on Friday, June 2, 2023, by 5:00 PM. Download the MLA Equity Fund Guidelines for complete details.

Submit completed application packets using the online form below.

Submit an Application