The Stichting IFLA Foundation was founded in 2007, to promote international support, cooperation, exchange of information, education, research, and development in the library and information services sector.

The Foundation seeks to protect, preserve, and document written and printed cultural heritage, and related activities.

When funds are available, the Foundation:

  • Supports the development of IFLA and/or the benefits of members;
  • Supports organisation growth;
  • Contributes to relevant activities of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC);
  • Provides grants for WLIC participation for attendees from developing countries
  • Acts as leverage when seeking IFLA support from other grant-making bodies; and
  • Provides support for projects which are of strategic value to IFLA.

The Foundation receives funding in the following forms:

The Board of Trustees of the Foundation currently consists of the IFLA President, IFLA President-elect, IFLA Treasurer, and IFLA Secretary General.

Proposals for funding

Funding proposals may be submitted to the Trustees through the Secretary General. The proposal should be clearly stated, indicate how the project will be carried out, and its expected outcomes.

Proposals should be strategic, have a long-term impact in developing and strengthening IFLA, and should clearly meet at least one of IFLA’s strategic priorities in line with the objectives and role of the Stichting. When evaluating proposals, the Trustees will consider any potential conflict of interest of the proposers or recipients. A further priority for funding would be those proposals that are unlikely to be funded through other sources or bodies. Please note, as above, that grants for WLIC attendance are handled through IFLA.