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 knew we wanted to support the booksellers who support us. In the age of e-commerce, 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 is piloting a new program to support independent bookstores and connect them with authors. We will support 3 independent bookstores from around the globe with a $1,000 grant to host a public program or event that features a children’s book author or illustrator. The SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund staff will help connect bookstores with the authors and illustrators they choose. With this program, we hope to support independent bookstores in order to promote both financial success and visibility within their community.

At a glance, the SCBWI ILF Community Bookstore grant is:

• A $1,000 grant
• To be used to support a public program or event that features a children’s book author or illustrator
• Offered to three independently owned bookstores

Bookstore programs/events must center a children’s book author or illustrator. Funds must be spent on hosting a children’s book author or illustrator. The event or program must be open and freely available to the bookstore’s community. The grantees will be obligated to report on the event.

For the purposes of this grant, independent bookstores are bookstores that meet any of the following criteria:

• Owned by one person
• Corporations with five or fewer shareholders
• Cooperatives with fewer than 10 employees
• Partnerships

This grant is not open to chains and franchises.

The SCBWI ILF Community Bookstore Grant is currently closed. It will open for submissions on May 15th, 2025 and close on July 15th, 2025.

Bookstore owners or their representatives must submit the following through a google form (to be linked when grant opens for submissions):

• Name of bookstore 
• Business ID
• 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)
• Please list four children’s book creators with whom you would like to engage for this event. (We will try to connect you with your top choice.)
• Please provide a budget breakdown, including a required stipend for the children's book author/illustrator and any transportation and accommodation costs. Any remaining funds can be used to support the event or program however the bookstore sees fit.