Ways to get free books for your classroom

SnapDragon Book foundation

This grant is available for Pre-K to 12th grade teachers. You can use this grant for magazine or newspaper subscriptions, as well as school or classroom libraries.
Grants typically range from $2,500-10,000
Grant is available in November. Deadline is February and winners will be announced in May.

Laura Bush Foundation

This grant is for schools in high need to extend, update, and diversify book collections. It is available to librarians and must be used for school libraries.
Public schools must be Title 1 eligible
Private and parochial schools can also apply if at least 50% of their student population qualifies for financial aid
Awarded to schools (more than one school per district can apply)

We need diverse books

This grant is available for Pre-K to 12th grade teachers. You must be a teacher, librarian, or educator working at least part-time. Funds MUST be used to integrate diverse titles in the classroom- you will be asked to share the titles you plan on purchasing. Funds can also be used for hosting diversity-focused student or community events, author visits, activities, book clubs, school-wide reads, and other projects that support diverse literature.
Grant is for up to $2,000

Dollar general literacy foundation

This grant is available to schools, public libraries, and nonprofits. It can be used for purchasing books, software, new technology or equipment, and implementing new or expanding literacy programs. This grant is for schools or organizations who work with students who are below grade level or having trouble reading.

Tina B. carver fund

This grant is available to TESOL members or member of a TESOL affiliate. It is intended for funding the purchase of student classroom learning materials and/or teacher-related materials. Grants are primarily awarded to educators who work with limited resources and students with beginning literacy to low-intermediate ESL students
Maximum grant amount is $400

Amber brown grant

Any school can apply. One school will receive an all-expense-paid visit by a well-respected children’s author or illustrator. The chosen school will also receive a $250 stipend to create a memorable day and $250 worth of books by the visiting author/illustrator. Need a statement of support from your administration

Sigma tau Delta Grant

This grant is available for members of Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society. The grant is for teachers with less than 5 years of experience. It is also available to middle school and high school teachers. Funds must be used to help promote interest in literature and language.
Grant will award teachers with $400 per cycle

Search your state’s grant site

This is Maryland’s grant website. I just searched “teacher” and I was able to access to 21 entries. Although some may not be totally relevant to what you need, it is still easy to search to see if you can apply to your state’s grants that are available.

Other options

Other available options are Donors Choose, Amazon Wishlists for friends/family, send Scholastic fliers home, check with other teachers who are cleaning out their library, Epic (for digital books), or donations from families.

**With all of these options, please check with your administration BEFORE you apply. There are many districts who will not allow outside funding.

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