External Funding Opportunities
This page compiles a range of external funding opportunities available for library and information science students and for libraries. For funding opportunities from OLA, click here.
Library & Information Sciences Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
- Grace Buller Aboriginal Student Scholarship: University of Toronto iSchool Scholarship Opportunity for Aboriginal candidates
- Research in Librarianship Grant – The Research in Librarianship Grant was designed to support librarians’ active engagement in research activities. It is intended to support projects involving structured, evidence-based research, which propose answers to real-world issues. Applicants may apply to one of two categories; the Practicing Librarian Grant or the Library and Information Studies Graduate Student Grant.
- Full Scholarships list: compiled by Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Committee (Last updated February 2021)
Ontario Grants and Funding Organizations
Grants
- Public Library Operating, Pay Equity, and First Nation Salary Supplement Grants Program– Library operating grants are statutory under the Public Libraries Act. Library operating funding goes to Public Library Boards and First Nations public libraries; and Municipalities, Local Service Boards or First Nations that establish a contract for library service with a neighbouring public library board
- Aboriginal Participation Fund
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP)
- Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) program
- Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services – Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy 2022-2023
- Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund
Funding Organizations
- Ontario Government Grants
- Ontario Arts Council – Grants to support Arts and Culture
- Ontario Trillium Foundation – Provides project based funding to support 6 Action Areas: Active People, Connected People, Green People, Inspired People, Promising Young People, Prosperous People.
- Law Foundation of Ontario – Grants to advance access to justice. Grants are made to nonprofit organizations that work to benefit the people of Ontario.
Canadian Grants and Funding Opportunities
Grants
- Aboriginal People’s Program – Aboriginal Languages Initiatives – The Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) supports the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages through community-based projects and activities. Applications deadline: December.
- Cultural Spaces Fund
- Documentary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP)
- First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program
- Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program
- Listen, Hear Our Voices
- Museums Assistance Program
- Research in Librarianship Grant – The Research in Librarianship Grant was designed to support librarians’ active engagement in research activities. It is intended to support projects involving structured, evidence-based research, which propose answers to real-world issues. Applicants may apply to one of two categories; the Practicing Librarian Grant or the Library and Information Studies Graduate Student Grant.
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations – Sponsorship for summer job programs in Heritage Organization
- Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage – Internship program
Funding Organizations
- Canada Council for the Arts – Grants to support Arts and Culture.
- Canada Cultural Investment Fund
- Canada Post Foundation – Supports Initiatives that benefit children.
- Dreamcatcher Foundation
- FCC AgriSpirit Fund
- The Gordon & Ruth Gooder Charitable Foundation
- Indigo Love of Reading – Supports Canadian high-needs elementary schools through funding the purchase of books and educational resources.
- Laidlaw Foundation
- Pat Morris Communities Matter Initiative
- Supporting Aboriginal Libraries Today – SALT (GoodMinds.com)
For more information on grants that may be available, please consult:
- Grants for First Nation Public Libraries – List Compiled by OLS
- Charity Village for comprehensive guide of government funding programs.
- Check bank web sites
- Check your community-based supports: Council, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce.
Last updated July 2022*
