The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators has launched the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund, a division created to support new and impactful charitable activities of the organization. The fund's projects will not be limited to SCBWI members but will be available to the entire children's book community.
"We believe the best way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the SCBWI is to create and fund programs that benefit the life-affirming spirit of children's book creators everywhere," said Bruce Coville, longtime member of the advisory council.
SCBWI's executive director Sarah Baker added: "I'm excited for the new opportunities the Impact and Legacy Fund will provide for members of the children's book community all over the world."
The mission of the fund is to provide specific endowments, grants, awards and programs which enhance the reach and impact of creators of children's books. Initially, the fund will be guided by Lin Oliver, co-founder of SCBWI and retired executive director, working along with a steering committee of 13 volunteers.
The SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund is launching with two initiatives:
The Russell Freedman Award for Nonfiction for a Better World will be given annually to an author or author/illustrator of a book for children or young adults recognized for both its excellence and for its contribution to understanding that helps create a better world.
The Student Advocates for Speech project, a collaboration with the National Coalition Against Censorship, is a grant from the SCBWI to support NCAC's new Student Advocates for Speech project, whose mission is to empower the next generation of leaders to engage in discussion and analysis of the essential tenets of free expression.