SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Independent Bookstore Grant

As an organization made up of writers, illustrators, translators, editors, and so many others who bring children’s books into the world, we at the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund knew we wanted to support the booksellers who support us. In the age of ecommerce, it’s no secret that independent bookstores are struggling. We want to do our part to help keep them viable as businesses while connecting them with the creators they support. When book creators and independent bookstores have resilient, personal relationships with one another, the children’s book industry thrives.

In 2025, the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund piloted a new program to support independent bookstores and connect them with authors. We supported 3 independent bookstores from around the country with a $1,000 grant each to host a public program or event that featured a children’s book author or illustrator. 

Thanks to the support of author/bookseller Judy Blume (yes, that Judy Blume), we can continue to support independent bookstores in order to promote both financial success and visibility within their community for at least another three years.

At a glance, the Independent Bookstore grant is:

• A $1,000 grant
• To be used to support a public program or event that features a children’s book author, illustrator, or translator
• Offered to three independently-owned bookstores
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Bookstore programs or events must center a children’s book author, illustrator, or translator. The event or program must be open and available to the bookstore’s community, increasing either foot traffic or awareness of the bookstore itself. The grantees will be obligated to report on the event.

For the purposes of this grant, independent bookstores are bookstores that are:

• Owned by three or fewer people
• Corporations with five or fewer shareholders
• Cooperatives with fewer than 10 employees
• Partnerships

This grant is not open to chains or franchises.

The Independent Bookstore Grant will open for submissions on September 1st, 2026 and close on November 1st, 2026.

If the grant is open for applications, bookstore owners or their representatives must submit the following through this google form (also linked below) to apply:

• Name of bookstore 
• Applicant Name
• Applicant Role/Title 
• Bookstore Physical Address
• Bookstore Website and Social Media (if any)
• Number of employees (full time and part time)
• What is unique about the community you serve? (Max 100 words)
• What business challenge are you facing? (Max 100 words)
• If approved, how will you use the grant money? (Max 100 words)
• How do you hope the event you put on with this grant will impact your business and community? (Maximum 100 words)

Go to this Google Form to apply: https://forms.gle/zo2aeRefGufQMhnq8