MLA from the mountains to the prairies |
MLA offers a variety of grants to support continuing education and professional growth for its members.
Before applying, please carefully review the key eligibility requirements and expectations:
You must be a current MLA member and submit your application before attending the event.
Grant funds are distributed after the event, and checks will be made payable to individuals, not institutions.
Preference is given to applicants who have not already received a grant during the current grant cycle.
All recipients must sign and return a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the Chair(s) of the MLA Membership Development Committee before funds are issued.
Recipients must submit a receipt to the MLA Executive Director as proof of attendance at the event or program for which funding was requested.
Recipients of select grants will also be required to submit a conference report within 30 days of the event.
These grants help current MLA members living 50+ miles from the conference site attend the annual MLA Annual Conference. Ten (10) $150 grants are available.
Eligibility:
Current MLA membership
Minimum of 3 consecutive years of MLA membership (If not enough applicants meet the membership length requirement, awards may be distributed to those meeting additional criteria)
No MLA Conference Grant received in the last 2 calendar years
Priority is given to applicants who have not received any MLA grant in the current cycle.
Funding:
10 grants available
$150 each
Requirements:
Sign and return a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the Chair(s) of the MLA Membership Development Committee
After the event, contact the Executive Director to receive the check
Submit a Conference Grant Report Form within 30 days of the final day of the conference
In honor of Jane Lopp, these grants assist first-year Library Trustees with the cost of attending the MLA Annual Conference if they live more than 50 miles from the conference site.
Eligibility:
Current MLA membership
First-year Library Trustee
Live more than 50 miles from the conference site
Funding:
2 grants available
$50 each
Requirements:
Sign and return a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the Chair(s) of the MLA Membership Development Committee
After the event, contact the Executive Director to receive the check
Submit a Conference Grant Report Form within 30 days of the final day of the conference
These grants support current MLA members in attending the MLA Fall Retreat held annually at Chico Hot Springs.
Eligibility:
Current MLA membership
Live more than 50 miles from conference site (Chico Hot Springs)
No MLA Fall Retreat Grant received in the last 2 calendar years
Priority given to applicants who haven’t received any MLA grant in the current cycle
Funding:
2 grants available
$100 each
Requirements:
Sign and return a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the Chair(s) of the MLA Membership Development Committee
After the event, contact the Executive Director to receive the check
These grants support current MLA members in attending national or regional professional development events (excluding all MLA-sponsored events).
Eligibility:
Minimum of 3 consecutive years of MLA membership
No professional development grant received in the last 5 years
Priority given to applicants who haven’t received any MLA grant in the current cycle
Funding:
Annual budget: $1,200
Maximum individual award: $600 (not to exceed actual costs)
Grants awarded as funds allow—funding is not guaranteed
Application & Review:
Deadlines: July 1, Oct. 1, Jan. 1, Apr. 1
Reviewed only in October and April
Requirements:
Sign and return a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the Chair(s) of the MLA Membership Development Committee
After the event, contact the Executive Director to receive the check
Submit a Grant Report Form within 30 days of the event
Checks issued to individuals, not institutions; partial payments may be considered in special cases
Knowledge Sharing:
Recipients are encouraged to share what they've learned by presenting at the MLA Annual Conference.
Please Note: The Leadership Institute is currently held every other year. The next opportunity will be in 2027 with applications open in the fall of 2026.
Leadership Institute Grants are designated for leadership institutes specified by the MLA Board; currently, the institute supported is sponsored by MPLA. These grants are available to current MLA members who wish to further their professional development by attending the MPLA Leadership Institute and meet the eligibility criteria for that program.
Eligibility
Applicant must be a current member of the Montana Library Association (MLA).
Must have been an MLA member for at least the two (2) previous years.
Must not have received a Leadership Institute Grant previously.
Grant applies to leadership institutes designated by the MLA Board; currently, the institute supported is sponsored by MPLA.
Funding
The Association budgets $1,000 per institute for qualified members.
Funding will not exceed the actual amount associated with the program or event.
Awards are based primarily on the budget submitted by the applicant.
Applicants may also apply for Professional Development Grant funds but receive secondary preference for those funds unless they have not been granted an MLA Leadership Institute Grant.
Application and Review
Applications should be submitted after confirmation of acceptance to the Leadership Institute.
Upon award, recipients must sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and return it to the Chair(s) of the MLA Membership Development Committee
Recipients should contact the MLA Executive Director to arrange receipt of the award check after the event.
Partial payments may be made in extenuating circumstances and will be determined on an individual basis.
Knowledge Sharing
Grant recipients are required to submit a presentation proposal for an MLA-sponsored retreat or conference.
Revised 2018
Revised 2019
Revised 2025