Infinite Sums 2026 Math Grants

Check back September 1, 2025. Application will be open from 9/1–9/30/2025

Grant Program Overview

Through generous funding from the Simons Foundation and in partnership with SciStarter, ARSL is proud to offer a new educational training experience and financial support for small and rural libraries.

A cohort of 15 library workers will be selected to host community-wide events for patrons of all ages to occur on Pi Day, Infinity Day, and Fibonacci Day in 2026. Cohort members will attend regular virtual training sessions as well as two in-person gatherings to foster deeper connection and build community.

Learn More! Program details will be presented at a Spark Talk at the 2025 ARSL Conference on Thursday, September 18, at 3:45 PM in the Exhibitor Hall.

Funding Details

Each of the 15 selected libraries will receive a $10,000 grant. Funds may be used for:

  • Administrative costs (e.g: grant planning, reporting, back-up staffing coverage and staff hours for participating in cohort activities)
  • Programmatic expenses (e.g: staff time, supplies, marketing, outreach, refreshments, equipment rental, incentives, books, and games)
    • Non-allowable expenses: presenter fees, capital expenditures, and technology
  • Travel expenses for attending the 2026 ARSL Conference in Montgomery, AL

Note: Travel for the January 2026 convening in New York will be reimbursed separately by the Simons Foundation.

Program Requirements

  • All three community library programs must be hosted on the following dates:
    • Pi Day – 3/14/2026
    • Infinity Day – 8/8/2026
    • Fibonacci Day – 11/23/2026
  • Applicants must be available to attend:
    • Simons Foundation's Convening in New York City: 1/25–1/26/2026
    • ARSL Conference in Montgomery, AL: 9/17–9/19/2026
  • Virtual cohort sessions begin November 2025 (1 hour per month)
    • Program concludes January 2027

Eligibility

  • Open to public libraries located in the United States
  • 501(c)(3) status is not required
  • ARSL membership is not required
  • Libraries must serve small and/or rural communities
    • As a guide, the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) defines a rural community as one that is more than, or equal to, ten miles from an urbanized area (defined as a town/city with a population of 25,000 or greater) and small communities to have a population of 25,000 or less.
    • Many rural libraries serve communities in their surrounding area and thus may have a total service population that is greater than 25,000. As long as there are no towns/cities in or within 10 miles of your service area with a population of 25,000 or more, it would be eligible.
    • If libraries are part of a single state-wide institution or are organized into regional/county systems, as long as the library or branch that is applying serves a small/rural population, it would be eligible.
    • Libraries are welcome to contact [email protected] to confirm eligibility prior to submission.

Reporting Requirements

  • Each awardee will be asked to provide a brief final grant report of the program outcomes including number of attendees and photos.
  • Awardees will not be required to provide receipts for expenditures.
  • A marketing release will be required. ARSL and the Simons Foundation may use program highlights for their websites, newsletters or social media.

Selection Process