New Scholars

Elsevier Foundation

Program for Innovative Libraries in Developing Countries

The Elsevier Foundation supports the efforts of libraries to enhance the quality of life in developing countries by advancing knowledge in science (including the social sciences), technology and medicine.  The Foundation provides one, two and three year grants to libraries in the developing countries and supporting organizations in the following areas:

§         Programs to enhance library infrastructure, technology or information services in ways that significantly enhance 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 enhance or 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;

§         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

§         Programs leaders or institutes with record of past success

§         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.

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 grant amounts of US$5,000 to US$50,000 per year.  Grant proposals should be submitted in full no later than August 1, 2009. Awards will be announced in December 2009.   Proposals should be focused and well-defined, and must address each of the following elements:

1.       Cover letter: Provide a one-page description of the objectives and key activities of the program. Include contact details and the amount of funding requested.

2.       Goals and plan:  A clear description of the program goals and implementation plan, including timeframe.

3.       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. 

4.       Impact:  The significance of the program’s intended impact on science, health and society in that country or globally.  

5.       Sustainability:  How will the benefits of the program be sustained after the grant has been expended.

6.       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.

7.       Evaluation:  How the program will be measured and evaluated and how its results will be reported.  

8.       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.

9.       Length: Proposals must be sent digitally and limited to 10 pages (not including the cover letter and budget overview).

10.   Final Report for Awarded Grants: The Elsevier Foundation requires a final report from grantees at the time of completion of funded activities.  The report should be both descriptive and evaluative, and include:

§         detailed summary of activities during the grant period

§         Internal and external media coverage generated

§         accounting report of grant expenditures

§         assessment of project goals (including level of achievement)

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Elsevier Foundation with any questions concerning the development of your proposal.

Download these guidelines (.pdf)