Special events are one of many traditional ways that nonprofits raise both money and awareness for their cause. If you've never hosted a special event, or if you want a refresher on the topic, be sure to attend "Beyond the Bakesale: Special Event Planning for Your Group or Organization" this Friday, May 18th from 9 am to 12 pm at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library. Philanthropy Journal recently posted an article about two different reports on special events that you may be interested in reading. If you cannot make the program but would still like to find out more information about how you can use special events to help your nonprofit, check out one of the library's  books on special event planning.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting applications for the Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums grant program. The labs are intended to engage middle- and high-school youth in mentor-led, interest-based, youth-centered collaborative learning using digital and traditional media. Grantees will be required to participate, in person and online, in a community of practice that provides technical assistance, networking, and cross-project learning. Projects are expected to provide prototypes for the field and be based on current research about digital media and youth learning. Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded. 

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation is dedicated to advancing literacy and fostering a love of reading among underserved and at-risk children and youth. The Foundation provides grants to rural and urban, public and school libraries throughout the country for the purchase of books published for young people preschool through grade 8. The focus of the grant program is on libraries that serve economically or socially at-risk children, have limited book budgets, and demonstrate real need. Public libraries, school libraries, and non-traditional libraries operated by nonprofit organizations that have been in operation at least three years are eligible to apply. 

The Stocker Foundation aims to lessen the achievement gap for under-resourced prekindergarten through fifth grade public school students by investing in programs that strengthen literacy. Arizona based funding is limited to Pima County. All organizations seeking funding must first submit a Letter of Inquiry. Most grants are from $10,000 to $20,000, though some are larger. 

The GTECH After School Advantage Program equips nonprofit community organizations and public schools with state-of-the-art, Internet-ready computer centers. These computer centers are designed to provide inner-city at risk children aged 5 to 15 with a meaningful, fun, learning experience during the critical after school hours in a safe environment. GTECH will donate up to $15,000 in computers, online technology, computer software, and volunteer hours to each after school program in inner-city communities where the company's offices are located, including cities in Arizona.