Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture Program

The Talk Story: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture Grant is a family literacy initiative that promotes cultural storytelling and engagement within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), and American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) communities. This grant is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) and the American Indian Library Association (AILA). Through this program, libraries and community organizations can develop creative projects that celebrate and affirm AANHPI and AIAN identities through books, oral traditions, art, and other cultural activities. The goal is to provide interactive and enriching literacy experiences that challenge mainstream Anglocentric literacy practices.

The grant provides funding for libraries and community organizations to design and implement programs that highlight AANHPI and AIAN stories. These programs can include activities, services, and collection materials that promote cultural literacy and intergenerational learning. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that incorporate storytelling, crafts, performances, and other creative literacy efforts in their communities. The funding allows for both in-person and virtual programming, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.

A total of four grants will be awarded, with two grants distributed by APALA and two by AILA. Each grant is valued at $500. Libraries and community organizations that serve AANHPI or AIAN children and their families are eligible to apply. The grant is open to organizations within the United States and its territories, with the exception of cross-border tribal organizations. However, organizations that have previously received two Talk Story grants are not eligible for additional funding.

The selection process is managed by the joint Family Literacy Focus committees of APALA and AILA. Proposals will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, accuracy in the portrayal of AANHPI and AIAN cultures, financial need, and community involvement. Preference will be given to projects that align with the core values of family literacy, intergenerational programming, and cultural representation. The committees will also prioritize projects that challenge stereotypes, de-center colonial narratives, and provide meaningful spaces for AANHPI and AIAN agency.

Funds may be used for purchasing library materials such as books and audiovisual content, covering programming costs like hiring storytellers, and acquiring supplies for activities and crafts. Grant recipients must allocate at least 25% of the funds toward library materials and no more than 10% for refreshments and decorations. The funds must be used to support at least one AANHPI or AIAN-themed program for children and their families.

The application process requires a complete and detailed submission, including a Statement of Need, a Narrative, and a Proposed Budget. Applicants must describe the program they intend to implement and the specific ways in which they will highlight AANHPI or AIAN cultures within their communities. Applications must be submitted online, with a downloadable version available for preparation.

The deadline for application submission is March 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM AoE. Award announcements will be made by May 1, 2025. Grant funds must be utilized by November 30, 2025, and a final grant report is due by December 31, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants may contact APALA at familyliteracy@apalaweb.org or AILA at talkstorygrant.aila@gmail.com.