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Trustees, Friends, & Foundations |
July 2026 |  |
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Welcome to the Trustees, Friends, & Foundations Newsletter!
A monthly update on items relevant to those
who work as or with Library Trustees, Friends, and Foundations. | |
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| June 3, 2026
"Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic these days, to say the least, and it seems that there are new developments happening weekly if not daily in the field. It can be a real challenge to keep up with what is going on and to separate reality from hype.
The Library of Virginia has been offering training for public library staff around the Commonwealth to help them better understand what the current state of the field is, and how to best help public library users who are coming in with questions about AI’s safety, ethics, environmental impacts, and more. These questions often reflect a high level of concern about the effects of the development and use of AI tools.
A spring 2026 poll by YouGov looked at attitudes toward AI in the US. Results show significant concerns about the impact of AI across demographic categories. Poll data indicate that 71% of Americans think that AI development is moving too fast, and that 63% of respondents feel that it is “unlikely that AI will create economic gains that benefit everyone.” The poll also reports that 51% of Americans are “pessimistic about the long-term impact of AI on society...” |
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| July 14, 2026
For 30 years, E-Rate has been one of America’s most visionary programs, opening the doors of digital opportunity to every community in our nation. As part of the Universal Service Fund, E-Rate has ensured broadband access through our libraries and schools. Today, approximately 73% of public libraries and 96% of public schools rely on E-Rate discounts—totaling more than $2 billion annually—for internet connectivity. But now E-Rate is under threat.
As our nation marks its 250th year and E-Rate reaches its 30th anniversary, we should be celebrating a program that has expanded information access for all Americans. Unfortunately, opponents argue that because E-Rate has succeeded, we no longer need it. But success is precisely why it must continue. Just as our streets and roads require ongoing investment, so too does our digital infrastructure. Such access is fundamental to learning, economic opportunity, health, civic participation, and community life. A digitally connected America—across rural, urban, and tribal lands alike—is a stronger America.
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Sign Up with the Virginia Library Association as an Advocate!
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Click HERE and sign up for the VLA Advocacy Center Mailing List to make sure you're receiving Virginia action alerts and updates on policy issues related to the library field. This will help you keep abreast of legislation that could affect your local library and community.
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VLA Library Trustees and Friends Forum |
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The forum is just getting started, but was "created to foster opportunities for trustees, friends of the library, foundation members, and other library advocates from around the state to network on common interests and to cooperate together to create better libraries and library services in Virginia. Whether you're currently serving, have served in the past, or simply believe in the power of libraries, your voice matters."
This is a great new resource for our Trustees and Friends across the Commonwealth. If you're interested in joining the forum, fill out this FORM. Stay tuned for more from the group as things continue to move forward! |
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| UNITED FOR LIBRARIES RESOURCES
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Virginia library staff and stakeholders (folks like
you!) have access to a whole host of resources from United for Libraries.
Click to get the CHEAT SHEET signed up and in.
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Already signed up? Click HERE to access everything through the ALA eLearning Platform! |
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On hiatus from June through August |
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Registration Today!: July 28-30, 2026
This interactive three-day virtual event will feature expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and staff who work with them. - Participate in live Q&A sessions with presenters.
- Enjoy exclusive access to keynote speakers and authors.
- Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing).
Register for one or all three days:
Trustee / Board Member Day: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Foundations and Fundraising Day: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Friends of the Library Day: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Free registration for Virginia library stakeholders
courtesy of the Library of Virginia! -- Click HERE to register |
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| Public Library Services for Strong Communities: Results from PLA's 2025 Survey |
Learn about the results from the 2025 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey, including key information on the public library programs, services, partnerships, and facilities geared towards meeting needs and fostering resilient communities. The results address questions about the types of age-specific programs libraries are offering, whether libraries' services and partnerships are delivered formally or informally, and the recent updates to library facilities including new builds and mobile service outlets...
(Occurs: 7.23.26 - 2p) |
| Register Here
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Emerging Best Practices for Responding to Book Challenges |
Over the past two years, members of the Mapping Information Access research group, including Emily Knox, Shannon Oltmann, and Andy Zalot, have been interviewing public library directors to find out more about their experiences with book challenges. Several new best practices for policies and guidelines have emerged from these interviews. Join Emily Knox and Shannon M. Oltmann as they share preliminary findings from this research, including best practices to implement in your library.
(Occurs: 7.29.26 - 2 pm) |
| Register Here
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Turn strategic planning into MISSION GROWTH |
A strong strategic plan can shape fundraising success long after the planning process ends. In this session, join Funding for Good to discover expert insights into how to secure funding for planning efforts, create stronger donor-facing proposals, and develop plans that support organizational priorities.
(Occurs: 7.30.26 - 2 pm) |
| Register Here
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Trustee, Friends, and Foundation members have access to the Library of Virginia's Niche Academy, an online learning platform.
Featured Course:
Everyday Advocacy: Making Your Voice Count for Libraries (2-Hour Webinar - Recorded 4.28.26)
In this interactive two-hour webinar, participants will build a clear, practical understanding of what advocacy includes, what it does not include, and how nonprofit libraries can confidently engage in advocacy while staying within legal and ethical guidelines. We will demystify the basics of lobbying rules for 501(c)(3) organizations, explore the many forms advocacy can take, and highlight real-world examples of how libraries across the country have successfully strengthened public support.
The session will also focus on the shared roles of staff, boards, foundations, volunteers, and community partners in advancing library missions. Attendees will leave with greater clarity, increased confidence, and practical tools to support libraries through everyday advocacy.
(Please note, if you register with a non-library-issued e-mail address, someone from the Library of Virginia will follow up with you to confirm that you are affiliated with a Virginia library before you can access the content.)
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Foundation for Rural Service Community Grant Program
Areas of focus for the Fall offering include Business & Economic Development, Education & Workforce, Health & Well-being, Public Service & First Responders.
Grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 or have at least 75% of the project currently funded. Priority projects include Technology- and broadband-enabled projects, as well as those with a long-term impact on the community and its residents. Projects that promote community participation and engagement, and create a more sustainable rural community.
Additionally, they offer the Virtual Living Room, an FRS grant program that integrates rural technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources, and local support to encourage veterans' use of advanced medical technologies. Virtual Living Room saves veterans travel time and costs while enabling connections to skilled physicians and other providers in the VA medical system, including telehealth and other online resources hosted by libraries.
Application Deadlines: September 4, 2026 | |
Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize for Public Libraries
The Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, developed in partnership between the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation and Library Journal, was created in 2019 to recognize the public library as a vital community asset. When libraries, governments, community organizations, and the people they serve become close partners, their communities thrive.
One winning library will receive $250,000 in unfettered funds from the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation for programs and services that benefit their communities. The winning library will also be profiled in the March 2027 issue of Library Journal and online. Honorable mentions may also be named.
See the link for more pertinent details
Application Deadlines: September 11, 2026 |
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C&S Wholesale Groceries - Local Heroes & Hope Grants
Grants of typically $5000 to $30,000 for programs that provide meals through food banks and pantries; deliver food and water during national disasters; support veterans, military families, and first responders; offer training and nutrition education for Special Olympics athletes; and equip young people with career and life skills. Applicants must be within a 30-mile radius of more than 200 retail stores, distribution centers, and service centers (including those in VA).
Application Deadlines: Friday, September 18, 2026 & Friday, December 18, 2026 Review Process: Takes approximately 12 weeks from the due date. All organizations will be informed of their status once a decision has been made by the Foundation Board of Trustees. |
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Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Bookmobile Grants [Annual]
Grants range from $500 to $3000 and are specifically for book purchases; they cannot be used for administrative or operational purposes. Provides grants for purchasing children's fiction or non-fiction books. Hardcopy application only.
Application Closes: All applications must be postmarked by August 15 Awarded: Annually, by mid-October |
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Journey For Good Foundation [3x/Year]
Grants range from $7,500 to $32,500 towards addressing the root causes of poverty. Funding focuses on improving access to food, stable housing, education, workforce development, and support for veterans and their families. One application per organization per calendar year.
Application Deadline: January 15, May 15, September 15 Awarded: Rolling |
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Walmart Spark Good Local Grants [Quarterly]
Grants from $250 to $5000 awarded to address specific community needs. Projects must align with focus areas of Creating Opportunity, Advancing Sustainability, Strengthening Community, and/or Centering Racial Equity. Applicants must be within the service area of a Walmart store, Sam's Club, or distribution center.
Application Open: Runs on a quarterly basis Notification: Not stated |
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T-Mobile Hometown Grants [Quarterly]
Up to $50,000 for shovel-ready, physical builds or improvements that can be completed within 12 months of receiving grant funds. For communities with a population of 50,000 or less.
Application Open: Runs on a quarterly basis; portal closes on the last day of each quarter and reopens on the first of the month of the new quarter Notification: Within 60 days after entries have closed for the quarter |
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Bolger Foundation - Capital Improvement Grants [Spring & Fall]
Grants of $10,000 to $250,000 are provided for capital projects that will have an ongoing impact, such as constructing new facilities, acquiring land, or expanding existing structures; upgrading or improving current buildings and/or grounds; and purchasing significant and long-lasting equipment, e.g., new computers or other technology. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible.
Application Open: Runs twice per year -- Spring: Open from November 1 - February 1 // Fall: Open from June 1 - September 1 Notification: Within six (6) weeks after the conclusion of each application period |
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Community Heart & Soul Planning, Technical Assistance, and Seed Grant Program [Rolling]
Community Heart & Soul is a community development process that engages residents in identifying what matters most to the community and how to build lasting change. Activities and objectives are determined by communities, and projects have included volunteerism, leadership, business development, healthcare access, social programs, transportation, broadband, and emergency preparedness, among others. Grants are $10,000 but require a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or partnering organization.
Application Open: Rolling application process |
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Rural Technology Education & Assistive Technology (AT) Grants [Rolling]
Grants are typically $500 - $2,500 for staff and student-led projects in public schools and libraries. The funded projects are designed to spark student interest in technology-based careers such as computer science, computer engineering, information technology, programming, cybersecurity, robotics, and related areas.
In some cases, these project donations may include a few smaller items like a Raspberry Pi microcomputer or a robotics kit or entire Maker Spaces equipped with things like circuit development kits, 3-D printers, robotics kits, and classroom sets of individual microcomputers to build upon. Other projects include early-stage robotics classes, teams, and clubs interested in project-based learning that culminates in competitive events such as FIRST competitions.
Application Open: Rolling application process | |
The Courage Project [Rolling Award]
"The Courage Project is a bold initiative honoring everyday acts of bravery -- the quiet, often unseen acts of heroism that reflect the best of the American spirit and strengthen democracy at the community level.
Application Open: Rolling application process Awards Range: From $10,000 to $50,000
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Click on the image to learn more about each title, and then use your local library to request it from the Library of Virginia.
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This newsletter is brought to you by the Library Development division of the Library of Virginia. Funding for this is provided through the Virginia General Assembly and the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
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