School Funding Ideas
how do schools pay for author visits?
Yes, there is a cost. But our authors charge only their standard fees and contribute up to 100% in honor of YOUR school. Authors for Earth Day does not collect any funds—participants are paid directly by their host schools and are responsible for making their own donations.
Finding the money may be easier than you think. Author visits are, by nature, literacy events designed to inspire students to higher levels of reading and writing. Because professional author programs support key educational standards, a school has several potential sources of funding:
- District funds – Many school author visits are paid for by district funds.
- PTA/PTO – Parent-Teacher associations may budget monies toward a special author visit. Or they may facilitate a campaign, like a bake sale, to raise the funds.
- Title 1 monies – Schools working with disadvantages and at-risk students may be eligible for special funding.
- Grants – Teachers and/or librarians may apply for literacy grants, like SCBWI's Amber Brown Grant and the AASL Innovative Reading Grant. Also check Eljet Grants for Science Teachers, American Library Association Grants, International Literacy Association Grants and Grant Alert.
- Community sponsors –Service clubs like Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Friends of the Library, etc. may donate funds to pay for an author visit. Local business are sometimes willing to help fund a special school event. These partnerships are great opportunities for organizations and companies to connect with their community in a meaningful way.
It's worth your time. Hosting an author is fun! And an A4ED event can help you meet some of your most important educational goals. We look forward to having you join us in our mission… to bring young readers closer to world of nature… through the world of books!
you might also be interested in:
Available Authors
Our Participants
Seven Steps to Success
Educator Preparation Packet
Author/Illustrator Checklist
We Have Fun!
Suggested Reading List