Ellen Jacks is the Grants and Reference Librarian at Memorial Library (UW-Madison) where she manages the Grants Information Collection (GIC). The GIC is a Funding Information Network partner of the Foundation Center by Candid and is free and open to the public, catering to several audiences, including nonprofit organizations. The mission of the GIC is to improve the lives of the citizens of Wisconsin – within and beyond the classroom – by promoting research and encouraging nonprofit efforts through instruction and access to information relating to grants, philanthropy, and charitable giving. It is a true embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea.

As the Grants Librarian, Ellen provides access to a variety of online and print resources designed to help organizations and individuals find funding partners, develop their boards, and craft proposals. Ellen also provides guidance and training to assist in using these resources through workshops and appointments. Ellen has her Masters in Music in Ethnomusicology (2005) and a Masters in Library Science in 2011 (both from UW-Madison). She has taught Introduction to Information Literacy and Research at Bryant & Stratton College in Milwaukee. She also worked for and volunteered with the board of directors for the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective.