On Monday nights one professor always drops in on the library before his class. He is a Economics/Business professor and teaches at multiple community colleges. For the last two years we have discussed various topics, from basic Interlibrary Loan requests to Nobel Peace Prizes.
When it came in to the library I read Banker to the Poor about Mohammed Yunus, the founder of the Grameen Bank. I was so struck by the entire idea–and the business model. Grameen does not lend to one man….it lends only to GROUPS of WOMEN who then pay the money back in installments. Microlending and peer pressure all in one. This has been very effective business model–the bank has a nearly 100% payback rate. Plus, it helps people immensely.
During the grantwriting season Mr. Professor asked me to help him with a grant, to come up with a list of books and DVDs to add to the library’s collection on Microlending and Social Entrepreneurship (he does a section on this topic in his classes.) I prepared a long list, found sources and prices, and discussed with the professor.
He submitted and (WOW) we won!
The size of the grant is not huge but I am still thrilled to win. The professor wanted me to be sure to get some credit for doing the work and I am thrilled to be included.
Categories: Tyler Projects
Tagged: grants, grantwriting, inside the library walls, John Tyler
During the recent Founder’s Day celebration, I attended a workshop on grant writing.
The library at Tyler is quite bare. We have one donated painting and one donated wall hanging. A coworker and I both brought in some plants, and I change the book displays regularly. Thankfully the space is filled with student which make everything LIVELY!
The John Tyler Foundation sponsors an art contest every year, and the winning piece is reproduced in poster form and use for promotion throughout the year. The library needs art–what better art to inspire students than student art?
I wrote a small grant to have the past five posters framed and placed in the library. I am hoping not only to get this grant, but also to have this be an ongoing program for the library. I would like the Foundation to donate the framed art every year.
My coworkers were pretty enthusiastic, and each helped me proofread the grant. I will not lose my chance becasue of a typo or spelling mistake! This also allows everyone to get behind the project, by being involved in the grant-preparing process.
I should hear the result in November.
Categories: Tyler Projects · Uncategorized
Tagged: art, grants, grantwriting, inside the library walls, John Tyler
