FAQ
Q. Who are the members of Libraries Across Borders Assistance to Libraries Fund?
A. The Libraries Across Borders Group is an interest group of the British Columbia Library Association and all members of the ALF group work in the libraries, information and education professions Most of the members have experience in developing countries and are very familiar with the challenges faced by poorer communities and are therefore able to assess the criteria for success in these communities. Our members also include those who have a high level of technological skills and experience that help us assess the most appropriate and available technologies to enhance the learning environments in our applicant communities.
For Applicants
Libraries Across Borders is postponing the Applications procedure for 2010
Q. Who can apply to the Assistance to Libraries Fund?
A. ALF is happy to receive applications from registered charities or community organizations in developing countries, rural British Columbia and BC First Nations Communities. Developing country community organizations ideally should have a Canadian NGO/charity as a partner.
Q. Why do developing country community organizations need a Canadian NGO partner?
A. ALF is a small organization with and in order to keep administration minimal and to ensure funds are received and distributed to the recipient community group, it is very helpful for us to be able to channel it through a Canadian NGO. In addition, many Canadian NGOs working with community organization programmes in developing countries can receive matching funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Q. What if our organization does not have a Canadian partner?
A. If your community organization does not have a Canadian partner, all is not lost. ALF will consider applications from organizations that have received monies from other donors; have registered charity/NGO status (or the relevant equivalent); have registered with the nearest Canadian High Commission or Embassy as a community organization; or is affiliated with a known organization or institution in the country. This information should be provided with the application. It must be noted, however, that preference will be given to community organizations that have a Canadian partner.
Q. How much money can we apply for?
A. ALF will consider applications for up to $10,000.00 (CDN) which can be used over one or more years. ALF reserves the right to partially fund an application.
For Donors
Q. Why should I donate to LAB-ALF?
A. ALF is one of the few library and information based organizations that specifically assists libraries in developing countries and in First Nations communities in BC.
Q. Who should donate to ALF?
A. Anyone interested in advancing education, knowledge, skills and enriching the lives of children, youth and other members of a community especially in developing countries and poorer communities here in BC will find that ALF has the expertise and experience to ensure any monies donated will be well utilized for the benefit of the recipient communities.
Q. How do I donate?
A. Donations can be made directly to the BCLA office, making special reference to LAB or ALF. If you wish to donate to a particular project, please specify which of our projects you have chosen.
Q. What do I get for my donation?
A. You will receive a tax receipt and regular updates by e-mail or mail on the projects LAB-ALF has funded. If you have chosen to donate to a particular project , you will receive additional information on the development of that project.