Applications are open for the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) Banned Books Weeks Grants offered through the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund.

Each year FTRF distributes grants to non-profit organizations to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Weeks celebration (Sept. 24 – 30, 2017.) Staff at all types of libraries, schools, universities, and community organizations are encouraged to apply. Grants are awarded at two levels, $1,000 and $2,500.

To be eligible for a grant, organizations must not have been a recipient of an FTRF grant within the past five years. Grantees also receive an ALA 2017 Banned Books Week Promo-Kit valued at $84 (which includes one poster, one roll of stickers, one 50-pack of the “2017 Field Report: Banned and Challenged Books,” one 100-pack of bookmarks and one tote bag). Grantees are encouraged to share their events on social media and with the press. A follow-up report detailing expenditures, numbers of participants, links to press coverage and a narrative of the event is due within six weeks of the Banned Books Week celebration.

FTRF Founder Judith F. Krug was a fierce proponent of education and intellectual freedom.  During Krug’s lengthy career she worked non-stop to prevent censorship and protect First Amendment rights.  Librarians and intellectual freedom advocates have an opportunity to continue this work and stand up for the First Amendment by providing innovative, educational and often fun programming to highlight Banned Books Week.

Visit the Freedom to Read Foundation online to learn more about past recipients and their projects or to apply.  Contact FTRF staff at FTRF@ALA.org or 312-280-4226 with questions.