Foyle Foundation Schools Library Programme
Overview
Please note that the majority of grants to schools range from £1,000 to £10,000.
Who can apply?
Applications are accepted from state funded schools in the United Kingdom.
Priority is given to primary schools. Secondary schools and sixth form colleges are eligible, but primary schools are a higher priority.
As secondary schools are usually larger than primary schools with more resources, it is recommended that secondary schools submit a more targeted application .
Newly set up schools with little track record or detail of literacy needs are less of a priority so it is advisable to delay applying until this information is available.
How Much Can You Apply For
Schools can apply for between £2,000 and £10,000. Please note that if successful, the Trustees may award less than the amount requested.
What can be funded?
Priority, and the majority of given funds, will continue to be awarded for physical library/reading books. They can consider a contribution towards e-readers and electronic reading resources, however a strong case for support and explanation of need will have to be made within the application.
They will not fund textbooks or curriculum books, nor fund classroom dictionaries and thesauruses (your request may include just a couple of dictionaries/thesauruses for the library to support reading skills).
The Foundation will also consider contributions towards library software, necessary IT equipment and furniture etc. in order to create a suitable library space and enable book lending outside the school, although ideally the majority of funding should be requested for books/reading materials.
They do not generally fund salaries or training costs. Structural building costs will not usually be considered. For other school projects, please refer to the Guidelines for the Main Grants Scheme and contact the Grants Team if necessary to discuss further.
Features of strong applications include:
- Preference will be given to schools which can clearly demonstrate a commitment to renewing and maintaining their library provision in the future.
- They will also take into account local deprivation levels, current literacy levels at the school and the impact of the pandemic on pupil’s learning when assessing applications.
- Schools looking to improve standards following a ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ inspection report.
- They are keen to support schools that are working in partnership with other local primary/secondary schools to improve reading standards.
Other Projects
State funded secondary and primary schools in the United Kingdom may be able to apply for other projects with direct educational benefit under the Main Grants Scheme but must demonstrate why their project cannot be funded from statutory or other funding. Dedicated schools catering for those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) may also be supported. Please refer to the Guidelines for the Main Grants Scheme and contact the Grants Team if necessary to discuss further.
For FAQ's visit the website here
For information on grants awarded in 2019, visit the website here