Illustration of KZ patterns. Text: IFLA WLIC 2025 Grants

Margreet Wijnstroom Grant

Application deadline

28 March 2025

We are delighted to announce that this year’s Margreet Wijnstroom Grant will support one delegate from a UN designated least developed country in attending IFLA WLIC 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan. We look forward to welcoming a new voice to the most international library conference and fostering greater inclusivity within the IFLA community!

The grant includes full coverage of the registration fee, along with a contribution of EUR 400 to assist with travel or accommodation expenses for the selected candidate.

Who was Margreet Wijnstroom?

Margreet Wijnstroom (1922-2018) was the first female IFLA Secretary General and also the first full-time Secretary General. She oversaw the move of IFLA Headquarters from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands in 1971 and over the course of the following 16 years, she helped IFLA more than quadruple in size and strength.

Margreet’s real passion was to expand IFLA’s global engagement, and to this end, she gave particular attention to redefining librarianship in the developing world.

Eligibility

The grant is open to librarians and library workers from all library types.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

  • Be from one of the least developed countries as defined by the UN LDC list.
  • Be a member of their national library association, where applicable.
  • Have a reasonable level of English language knowledge due to their expected participation in a grantee programme during WLIC.


Priority will be given to the applicants who are first-time attendees of the IFLA World Library and Information Congress.

How to apply? 

To apply, please complete the application form below and upload a single PDF file that includes the following:

  1. Curriculum vitae (one page): Provide a brief overview of your educational background, professional experience, and any relevant achievements or contributions to the library field.
  2. Proof of association membership: Submit documentation confirming your membership in your national library association, if applicable.
  3. Statement or letter from your employer supporting your attendance at WLIC.

To help you prepare, please note that the application form includes the following question:

Motivation letter (max 300 words): Share your passion and enthusiasm for attending WLIC!

In honour of Margreet Wijnstroom’s dedication to expanding IFLA’s global engagement and redefining librarianship in the developing world, we invite you to describe:

  • Reflecting on your personal journey, why would you like to attend WLIC?
  • How will the knowledge and experience gained at WLIC empower you to enhance your skills and support library services specifically in your region?
  • Your creative ideas for sharing the insights you gain with others in your community, fostering a ripple effect of learning and growth.


Please do not use AI to generate your motivation letter. We want to hear your story.

Important dates

  • Application deadline: 28 March 2025
  • Successful candidates will be notified by: 1 May 2025
Apply now!

Questions?

Please contact grants@ifla.org.