Partnership for Affordable Learning Materials (PALM)

Funds are available to support Open Textbook creation projects in awards of $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for departments. Expect another call for proposals around February, 2025. Review proposal elements and selection criteria.

The libraries of the University of Minnesota have established an ongoing program to incentivize the creation of openly-licensed textbooks and learning materials.

• Libraries professionals are available to assist with project management, copyright concerns, publishing platforms, and the identification & selection of existing Open Educational Resources (OER) material to build upon.
• Priority will be given to applications involving high enrollment courses. All current faculty and instructors teaching courses at all University of Minnesota campuses are invited to apply.

Before applying, interested parties are strongly encouraged to review the Open Educational Resources & Affordable Learning guide and schedule a consultation with Micah Gjeltema, Open Education & Affordable Content Librarian. 

Applications should be sent to lib-palm@umn.edu

Individual Grants

Grants will be paid as university funds rather than personal income to reduce taxation and maximize funding impact. Funds will be disbursed in two installments, once upon commitment and once upon project completion.

The instructor commits to developing a new and novel textbook tailored to UMN courses and learning objectives. The final product is distributed with a Creative Commons license. The instructor uses this newly created text and optional Libraries materials to teach a course with no required material costs for students. Award of $5,000.

Departmental Grant Categories

Departmental Grants apply to projects impacting three or more course sections. Awards go to the individuals responsible for the project as university funds.

The department commits to the development of a new and novel textbook tailored to UMN courses and learning objectives. The final product is distributed with a Creative Commons license. The department uses this newly created text and optional Libraries materials to teach multiple courses with no required material costs for students. Award of $10,000.