María Moliner Competition for Reading Promotion Projects (Spain)

The María Moliner Reading Promotion Campaign is a funding competition that supports municipalities in promoting reading through innovative public library projects. It offers up to €10,000 for top projects and €2,777.77 for others, with a total budget of €1.1 million. Eligible applicants are municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents operating a public library.

Overview

The María Moliner Reading Promotion Campaign is a national initiative aimed at strengthening reading culture through public libraries in smaller municipalities.

It supports innovative, inclusive, and community-driven library projects that improve access to reading and foster social integration.

Objectives of the Campaign

The campaign is designed to:

• Promote reading among all population groups
• Improve access for underserved and disadvantaged communities
• Strengthen the role of public libraries in society
• Encourage collaboration with local organizations
• Support cultural recovery in areas affected by the DANA natural disaster
• Ensure equal participation across municipalities regardless of location

Funding and पुरस्कार Structure

Total Funding

• €1,100,000 total budget

पुरस्कार Distribution

Top 10 Projects

• €10,000 each
• At least 40% must be used for books or periodicals
• Remaining funds can be used for:
  • Library furniture
  • Equipment

Next 360 Projects

• €2,777.77 each
• Must be used exclusively for:
  • Books
  • Periodicals

Additional Note

• If fewer than 370 projects are selected, remaining funds are redistributed to increase smaller पुरस्कार amounts

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects must be:

• Library-based reading promotion initiatives
• Inclusive and community-oriented
• Focused on increasing reading access
• Designed with partnerships and outreach activities

Key Project Components

• Reading programs and campaigns
• Community engagement activities
• Collaborations with schools, NGOs, or cultural groups
• Outreach to underserved populations
• Initiatives supporting post-disaster cultural recovery

Who is Eligible?

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be municipalities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants
• Operate a public library
• Submit one comprehensive project proposal

Eligible Entities

• Municipal governments
• Smaller local entities with their own town hall within eligible municipalities

Application Rule

• Only one project per municipality is allowed
• The project must cover all reading promotion activities

Why This Campaign Matters

This initiative plays a key role in:

• Strengthening reading culture at the grassroots level
• Bridging literacy and access gaps in smaller communities
• Empowering public libraries as community hubs
• Supporting cultural recovery and resilience

It ensures that even smaller municipalities have the resources to build strong, inclusive reading ecosystems.

How the Campaign Works

Evaluation and Selection

• Up to 370 projects are selected
• Projects are ranked based on quality and impact
• Top 10 receive higher funding

Key Evaluation Criteria

• Innovation in reading promotion
• Inclusivity and accessibility
• Community involvement
• Partnerships and collaboration
• Overall social and cultural impact

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm eligibility (population size, public library availability)
2. Design a comprehensive reading promotion project
3. Include:
   • Objectives and target groups
   • Planned activities and outreach
   • Partnerships and collaborations
4. Ensure alignment with campaign goals
5. Submit one complete application on behalf of the municipality

What to Highlight

• Impact on underserved communities
• Innovation in reading promotion
• Strong local partnerships
• Measurable outcomes (e.g., participation rates, engagement levels)

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on inclusivity and accessibility
• Provide clear and structured activity plans
• Demonstrate community involvement
• Align with cultural recovery goals if relevant
• Include realistic and well-justified budgets

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or fragmented proposals
• Lack of clear target audience
• Weak community engagement strategy
• Not aligning with funding usage rules
• Proposing generic or low-impact activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the María Moliner Reading Promotion Campaign?

It is a funding competition supporting municipalities to promote reading through public library initiatives.

2. How much funding is available?

A total of €1.1 million is available, with awards up to €10,000.

3. Who can apply?

Municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents that operate a public library.

4. How many projects are selected?

Up to 370 projects receive funding.

5. Can multiple projects be submitted?

No, each municipality can submit only one comprehensive project.

6. What can the funds be used for?

Books, periodicals, and (for top पुरस्कार recipients) furniture and equipment.

7. What is the main goal of the campaign?

To promote reading, improve access, and strengthen community engagement through public libraries.

Conclusion

The María Moliner Reading Promotion Campaign is a valuable opportunity for small municipalities to enhance reading culture and community engagement through public libraries.

By supporting inclusive, innovative, and impactful projects, the initiative strengthens literacy, social cohesion, and cultural development at the local level.