The San José Public Library Foundation is uniquely positioned to both raise and distribute funds, supporting initiatives that drive digital empowerment, build the workforce, and enable lifelong learning.
By offering grants to organizations with innovative programs, we extend our impact beyond libraries, fostering community growth and development.
Join us in empowering individuals and communities by applying for our grants to bring your visionary projects to life. Together, we can shape a brighter, more equitable future.
San José Learns is dedicated to empowering young learners in grades TK-3 from under-resourced communities through high-quality out-of-school time programs. Launched by Mayor Sam Liccardo in 2015, this initiative is committed to closing the achievement gap, particularly for students of color. During the 2022-2023 academic year, 55% of students met or exceeded the third-grade English Language Arts (ELA) standard. Within this period, the percentages were notably lower for specific groups: 45% of Black students, 29% of Latino/a/x students, 30% of low-income students, and 23% of students with disabilities met or exceeded the ELA standard.
San José Learns is making a transformative impact. Through an annual grant program administered by the Library Foundation, we provide eligible school districts with the resources to maximize their budgets and partner with exceptional program providers. This initiative not only fosters positive learning outcomes but also significantly increases the number of youth who can benefit from these enriching, high-quality out-of-school programs. Together, we are building a brighter future for San José learners.
The Tutoring Matters expansion grant was established to empower San José students in grades 4-12 by providing them with access to high-quality tutoring services. Recognizing the crucial role that personalized academic support plays in a student’s success, the City of San José has dedicated a one-time $2 million allocation from American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to this initiative.
Launched in Fall 2022, these grants are available to qualified agencies and organizations that can engage with schools, families, partners, and students. By offering 1:1 or small group tutoring and academic recovery support, the Tutoring Matters program aims to bridge learning gaps and ensure that every student thrives.
Tutoring Matters underscores the community’s commitment to fostering educational equity and providing the resources necessary for all students to achieve their full potential to succeed academically and beyond.
San José is leading the nation in its commitment to bridging the digital divide by establishing the Digital Inclusion Fund, a multi-million dollar cross-sector initiative set to distribute grant awards over a ten-year period. This fund represents the city’s largest philanthropic effort in recent history and underscores San José’s dedication to fostering digital equity.
In today’s interconnected world, access to digital resources is essential for success in education, the workforce, healthcare, and overall quality of life. The Digital Inclusion Fund aims to make a profound impact by ensuring universal device access and connectivity at speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload for 50,000 San José households over the next decade. This will empower families with the tools they need to participate fully in the digital age. Additionally, the Fund will focus on enhancing digital skills for 50,000 households, equipping residents with the necessary expertise to stay ahead of technological advancements.
By addressing these critical needs, San José’s Digital Inclusion Fund will ensure that every resident has the opportunity to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.