Applications are open to public libraries in rural and regional Victoria for the 2022 National Backyard Cricket grants of $500 to $1,500 to support education related projects and programs. The link to the application form is here and applications are due Fri 29 April 2022.
The grants are provided by the Learning for a Better World Trust, using funds raised by families and friends organising games of cricket in the park, at the beach or at home over summer. Historically the LBW Trust raised funds for disadvantaged students in cricket-playing nations around the world. With National Backyard Cricket, the LBW Trust decided it also wanted to support an Australian cause, and with the assistance of Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA), the Trust agreed that country public libraries were the perfect recipients of our efforts.
Country libraries deliver essential educational and employment-related services, and they play a critical, and under-recognised role in the cultural and economic life of regional communities. Because of the small populations they serve, they also struggle for funding, particularly when compared to their city cousins.
Last year the LBW Trust funded projects at 54 country libraries in every state and the Northern Territory and the total value of the grants was more than $70,000.
Now it’s time for country libraries to apply for the 2022 grants.
The program objective is to make direct grants to country libraries that will support the work already being undertaken in any of the following areas:
- Educational programs related to technology literacy, career and employment opportunity development, and pathways from school to further education and employment.
- English as an Additional Language lessons for refugees or others.
- Increased access to physical resources, including computers and related hardware.
- Other education-related programs and initiatives.
Grants will be made based on several factors, including:
- Compliance with the application terms.
- The number and geographic representation of applications received.
If you have any questions, contact [email protected] or at [email protected]