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Summer Programming Grants

Each year as part of the statewide Summer Reading Program, the Vermont Department of Libraries distributes grant money through the estate of the Elva S. Smith Trust in support of youth library activities. Libraries use these funds to purchase materials, and for in-person and virtual experiential programming and performances.

The Department encourages libraries to collaborate and pool their grant money to plan programs and events that serve the greatest number of youths in the most effective manner. We also encourage libraries to support the local economy by purchasing locally sourced materials, products, and food, as well as eco-friendly and sustainable options whenever possible. Using funds for local performers, artists/artisans, educators, authors, and museums and cultural institutions is highly encouraged. Recipients of summer programming are asked if and how they used funds to support the local economy in the summer grant expenditure report.

2025 Summer Programming Grants

  • New in 2025: Successful applicants will receive a $350 grant to support summer programming in 2025. This year, rather than coordinating a summer reading supply order with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), the Department will award $350 instead of $300. Libraries may use the additional $50 to either purchase supplies directly from CSLP (including themed apparel, incentives, and other products) or for other summer reading programming purposes. Please note: While $350 is being awarded to each eligible public library this year, future annual grant amounts may vary based on available funding.
  • 2025 Summer Programming Grant Information Webinar (12/2/24, Niche Academy, 42 minutes)
    Watch the Department's webinar to learn more about the grant application and reporting process, and to get ideas on how to spend grant funds to enhance library summer programming! 
  • 2025 Grant Guidelines

Grant Timeline

  • Monday, December 2, 2024: Grant application opens
  • Monday, December 2, 2024, 1:00-2:00pm: Grant information session webinar (posted above)
  • Monday, February 10, 2025, 3:00pm: Grant application closes - webform application submission, W-9, and Certificate of Insurance must be received
  • Monday, April 28, 2025: Deadline for grant agreement submission
  • Day grant agreement is signed through September 15, 2025: Grant spending period
  • Friday, August 29, 2025: Grant expenditure report opens
  • Monday, September 15, 2025: Deadline for spending funds/holding performances
  • Monday, October 6, 2025: Deadline for grant certification and expenditure report submission

2024 Summer Programming Grants

2023 Summer Programming Grants

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Read more about the Summer Reading Program here!