Speaking Volumes Grants for Christian Books in the Community provides grants for the purchase of books and DVDs about the Christian faith for placing anywhere that they can be borrowed and enjoyed, such as public libraries, schools, hospitals, hospices, prisons and churches in the UK.
Books must be able to be borrowed by a wide readership and cannot be used for personal gifts or for resale.
The books and DVDs must be selected from the list on the Speaking Volumes website. The list contains many subjects and genres.
When awarding grants, the following priorities apply:
1. First priority - public and prison libraries, refuges, hostels, care homes and other libraries where there is great need.
2. Second priority:
o All schools including playgroups and nurseries, and
o Repeat applications where book turnover is high such as prisons and women's refuges.
3. Third priority:
o Libraries in churches.
o Toddler groups, and
o Placements abroad.
Funding is not available for:
o Books and DVDs for personal use, or
o Retrospective costs.
The application process is as follows:
1. Applications must be made online on the Speaking Volumes website.
2. Applicants are required to pre-select books and complete the application form and then wait to hear from the Trust.
3. Successful applicants can then obtain their books and DVDs from their nearest Christian bookshop. No money is required, as the bookshops will directly invoice the Trust.
4. Following this, each grant recipient should send evidence of the books being used (either photo or a letter of acknowledgement). They will also be required to respond to a survey that will be sent a year later.
The next deadline for applications is Tuesday 30th April 2024. Please note that grants are normally awarded on a “first come” basis. Eligible organisations interested in applying to the scheme are therefore advised to apply as soon as possible.
