Tips for First Time LSTA Special Needs Grant Writers

All Special Needs LSTA projects must begin by identifying a population that has special needs. A partnering agency(ies) is required. Sometimes someone in the community brings the needs of a population group to the attention of the library. Sometimes the staff evaluates their services in various areas of special needs and identifies weaknesses. Sometimes an individual patron's request may raise awareness about a need in the community. Often the question librarians ask is "What groups in the community are not using the library, and why?" The focus of all special needs project should be on meeting the needs of a targeted group, rather than focusing on a need the library has and then trying to build a project around that need.

The next step for any special needs project is to contact the partnering agency and/or members of the targeted population to find out from them what they feel the targeted population most needs. The project development should come from that discussion. The partnering agency should then be involved in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the project.

For tips about various aspects of writing a Special Needs LSTA grant click on any of the following topics. A PDF file of the Tips for First Time LSTA Special Needs Grant Writers is available at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/pdf/firsttime_grant_tips.pdf.

1. Core Documents Needed to Write an LSTA Application

2. Tips on Using the LSTA Guidelines Book and Highlights

LSTA Purposes
Schedule
Grant Category Information
Grant Process and Procedure
FAQ on LSTA Grants
Application Form

3. Basic Requirements of all Special Needs Projects

General Requirements

Start Up Funding
Staff Costs
Collection Development Category
Special Restrictions

4. Tips for Writing a JOBS Application

Research
Planning
Staff Training Component
Time Line
Evaluation
Budget

5. Tips for Writing a Literacy Application. What Type of Literacy Project is Needed?

Research
Planning
Staff Training Component
Time Line
Evaluation
Budget

6. Application Front Page

7. Application Abstract