Grant Guidelines for the Innovative Libraries in Developing Countries Program

Call for Proposals  Deadline: June 24th

The Innovative Libraries online grant application system is now accepting Phase I applications. Please note, this is a brief 1 page application. Shortlisted applications will be invited to submit a full proposal.
The Elsevier Foundation supports the efforts of libraries to enhance the quality of life in developing countries by advancing knowledge in science, the social sciences technology and medicine. The Foundation provides one, two and three year grants to libraries in the developing countries and supporting organizations:

• Programs to enhance library infrastructure, technology or information services in ways that significantly expand their ability to make STM (scientific/social sciences, technical and medical) information available to those who need it — researchers, clinicians, students, policymakers and the wider public.
• Programs that expand library information resources in the developing world through digitization or preservation of information that advances science, health, the environment, and indigenous knowledge.
• Training and education programs for library staff, students or researchers, contributing to sustainable improvements in the library’s capacity to provide STM information in the developing world.
• Partnerships between libraries in the developing countries and institutions in the developed countries to provide technical assistance or training. Developed country partner organizations include libraries, learned societies, universities, intergovernmental organizations and other non-profit organizations.

Preference will be given to proposals that clearly demonstrate the following;

• Professional training enabling librarians to serve as pivotal advocates in their research ecosystem and in prevention of brain drain.
• Projects with a strong outcomes evaluation focus demonstrating the link between research access, training, usage and health impact.
• Projects which offer innovative global health partnership models
• Projects with Research4Life training embedded as appropriate
• Innovation in improving the use of STM information
• A high degree of potential impact on society in the developing world
• Programs that will serve as models for other institutions and countries
• Programs that enhance international partnerships or exchange between individuals and institutions
• Realistic budgets tied to measurable outcomes
• Sustained financial and programmatic viability
• Programs that have institutional supports and matching funds
• Small-scale programs requesting a smaller amount of funding
• Programs leaders or institutes with record of past success
• Create and promote collaborative networks across institutions and/or disciplines
• A willingness to draw from the expertise and experience of previous grantees
• Have specific plans for sustainability beyond the funding period
• Embody plans for dissemination beyond the awardee organization of policies, procedures, and “lessons learned” that are developed during the funding period

Please Note: Requests for hardware will only be considered if they are part of a comprehensive project approach integrating diverse elements such as training or research. Grants are awarded for specific projects rather than operating support and are only awarded to organizations and institutions rather than individuals.

Additional Guidelines

Proposals are welcome for single-year grants in amounts between US$5,000 to US$50,000. Proposals will be accepted for multi-year programs (up to three years) for a total of $100,000.
Please note that in 2013,  the Foundation uses a two step application process to streamline the submission and review process. First round applications will be accepted through June 24th through the Foundation’s online application system. In early July shortlisted candidates will be announced and invited to submit a full proposal by September 3rd. Grant recipients will be announced in December 2013.
Round 1 Applications: Deadline:  June 24th
Preliminary, Round 1 submissions should be focused and well-defined, and address the following elements through the online application.

• 1. Objectives: Provide a description of the objectives and key activities of the program.
• 2. Goals and plan: A clear description of the program goals and implementation plan, including timeframe.
• 3. Organization and partnership: A description of the organization requesting the grant, confirmation of its status as a non-profit entity, and a listing of key officers and staff who will direct the implementation of the program. Description of key program partners, if any.

Round 2 Full Proposals: July 3rd  — September 3th
Shortlisted applicants invited to submit a full proposal will be notified in early July and asked to submit full proposals. Proposals should demonstrate the following elements:

• Innovation: How will the program introduce new ideas, capabilities and/or capacity for the institution or country. How the program would serve as a model for others.
• Impact: The significance of the program’s intended impact on science, health and society in that country or globally.
• Sustainability: How will the benefits of the program be sustained after the grant has been expended.
• Budget: The total amount of the grant requested and justification for the requested amount, including a clear budget overview spreadsheet that indicates in as much detail as possible intended expenditures and other sources of funding, if any.
• Evaluation: How the program will be measured and evaluated and how its results will be reported.

All first round applications must be submitted via The Elsevier Foundation’s online grant application proposal system by June 24th 2013. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Elsevier Foundation with any questions concerning the development of your proposal.

Contact: Ylann Schemm

Phone: +31-20-485-2025
Email: foundation@elsevier.com

The Elsevier Foundation, 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010, USA