Established by children’s book author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation is accepting applications from public schools and public libraries anywhere in the United States and its territories for its mini-grants program.

The program is intended to support projects that foster creative expression, collaboration, and interaction with a diverse community. To that end, the program awards grants of up to $500 to help educators create special activities outside the standard curriculum and make time to encourage their students. Projects funded in the past include murals, pen pal groups, quilts, theater productions, newspapers and other publications, intergenerational activities, and programs that bring disparate communities together.

Public schools and public libraries are eligible to apply. Preschool Head Start programs also are eligible. Only public organizations are eligible to apply. Charter schools also are ineligible. Applicants must be located in the U.S. or its commonwealths or territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. Only one application from each library or school will be considered.