Applications Are Open for Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Programming Grants

Each year the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) distributes grants for organizations to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Weeks celebration (October 5-11, 2025).  Staff at all types of libraries, schools, universities, and non-profit community organizations are encouraged to apply. Grants are awarded for $1,000 and applications are accepted now through April 30, 2025.  

Grants are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• WHY NOW?:  Please share why this grant is important for your organization in this time.
• IMAGINATION: What makes your plan unique? Please share how you would integrate the concept of “Read For Your Rights.”
• SCHEDULE/ACTION PLAN: Include key dates, responsibilities, and collaboration with other groups to carry out a creative project.
• PR PLAN: What are the ways you will promote your event and who is your intended audience?  Do you have a media and social media plan?  How will your promotion be creative, unique and eye-catching?
• BUDGET: Please detail your proposed budget. Institutions, and other groups they are working with should contribute to the funding of proposed events rather than solely relying on the grant. Do not designate all of these grant funds for the purchase of books, or as an honorarium for one speaker.
• EVALUATION: Detail how you will evaluate the success of your program.

To be eligible for a grant, organizations must not have been a recipient of an FTRF grant within the past five years. 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. 

Apply here or visit the Freedom to Read Foundation online to apply and learn more about past recipients and their projects through the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund.  Contact Joyce McIntosh at jmcintosh@ala.org or kgianni@ala.org with questions.