Program Survival

Some library literacy programs have the best of both worlds.  They receive strong support from the library AND qualify for United Way funds.  How do they do it?  Typically, government cannot receive United Way funding, but these programs are incorporated as non-profits--separate from the library.  This means they have the stability of having their office and lead staff paid through the library's budget.   LVA Leon County and LVA Gadsden County are examples of programs with this dual stream of funding. 

Reminder --Draft grant review March 1

VALF is willing to review drafts of your VALF grant application, if you get them to us by March 1, next Monday.  The final application is due March 31.  Last year several grants were not considered because the directions were not followed.  We are doing this to help your applicatiion be more competitive.  Also, our review is another way we are providing technical assistance on grant writing in general.

Library Literacy Programs--Survival

Volunteer literacy programs, like many other groups, are under serious challenges in today's environment.  When dollars are very tight, it would be easy to cut literacy as not a core library program.  The good news is that volunteer programs are one of the most economical ways to serve very low learners.  You are needed more than ever, but how can you make the case.  First make sure you are providing the highest quality possible within the resources you have.  This means many things:

• like providing quality training for your volunteers,
• making sure your matches are compatible  
• working hard to retain tutors and students.  It is less expensive to retain tutors than it is to train a new one. 
• and giving students chances to be more involved.  They can provide student support and help your program raise funds.

 I know our VALF members are working hard to keep your program afloat --and are focusing on quality, not quanitity.  Please share your ideas on being as cost effective as possible.  What has worked for you?  Post comments on this blog or email us at literacyflorida@hotmail.com to share what has worked for you.  There is no easy answer --but we can learn from each other.  Let us know your strategies for surviving and maybe thriving in these times.
Sandy Newell
President, VALF