Challenge grants: frightening, frustrating, and fruitful

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the challenges and benefits of a challenge grant.

The paper explains the University of Waterloo Library's first‐hand experiences in seeking and acquiring a challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation.

The challenge grant can provide libraries with a unique opportunity to raise their profiles, enlist the support of key leaders, generate excitement about their organizations' work and future plans, and raise additional funds.

The paper provides practical suggestions that offer incentive and encouragement to seek a challenge grant due to the many benefits that accrue to a library development program.