Press Release Fun: Minigrants for School and Public Libraries

Tel. 718/965-1266 (For more information) Website: www.Ezra-Jack-Keats.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 2011

THE EZRA JACK KEATS MINIGRANT PROGRAM IS BACK

AND BETTER THEN EVER:

PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES ARE INVITED TO APPLY

“We’re going green, shifting from a fall to a spring granting cycle and celebrating the educators whose creative Minigrant programs offer inspiration to all,” announced Deborah Pope, Executive Director of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. “We’re thrilled to put out the call to teachers and librarians in public schools and public libraries, and we look forward to funding some amazing proposals.”

This year marks the 24th annual call for grant proposals by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Our new deadline for grant submission is March 15 of each year. Decisions will be emailed to all applicants after May 15. In this way, educators will begin the next academic year knowing if they have the funding they need for their special program.

In addition, all Minigrant applications will be submitted electronically, and we have added a video tutorial explaining the process on our website. This format will simplify the application process and provide confirmation of receipt to all applicants. Last but not least, we are going to announce the names and locations of the schools and libraries that are granted awards, and we will display some of the truly outstanding final reports on our website. It is time for the wonderful work of these educators to be properly honored.

The EJK Foundation, established by renowned author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats, has awarded over half a million dollars in grants to public schools and libraries in all 50 states and the U.S. Commonwealth since the Minigrant program was started in 1987.

The deadline for submission of proposals for the $500 Minigrant award is March 15, 2012. Proposals will be read directly after the March deadline, and winners will be announced starting on May 15. Applications are available exclusively online at the Foundation’s website: www.ezra-jack-keats.org/news/minigrant-application/.

Dr. Pope invites educators to explore the EJK website. “You will find great deal of information about Ezra and our other initiatives on the site. We will be posting details about the upcoming celebrations for the 50^th anniversary of THE SNOWY DAY in 2012, and we invite you to join us by bringing the party to your school or library.”

Dr. Deborah Pope is available for interview and appearance on television or radio.

For further information, contact Margot Abel at 718/965-1266.

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