Public Library Services Grant Program
- INTRODUCTION
This LSTA grant program is designed to support public library programming in the areas of literacy, children and teens, and/or technology. In a given fiscal year, the Library of Michigan will fund as many grants as possible that meet these priorities.
2021 Public Library Services Grant program
The 2021 Public Library Services Grant program is open! Please see below for the application guidelines, application information packet and the link to submit an application. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM EST. - Public Library Services Grant Program Guidelines
This summer quick grant provides Michigan public libraries the opportunity to purchase supplies and materials for a specific program that will happen over the summer. Applications must be for a program that fits at least one of the topics and one of the LSTA priorities listed below. Requested supplies and materials must be for the program described in the application.
2021 Program Topics:
- Literacy Programs – This topic area is for the broad idea of literacy programs, such as ESL, early literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, digital literacy, etc.
- Children & Teen Programs – This topic area is for programs where the primary audience is children or teens, and can include a range of programming areas such as art, STEAM, gaming, summer reading, etc.
- Technology Programs - This topic area is for programs that improve community access to technology, such as digital inclusion, assistive technologies for disabled patrons, etc. Libraries requesting Internet capable devices must comply with CIPA regulations.
LSTA PRIORITIES:
- Programs or services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
- Programs or services to individuals with disabilities, to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; or
- Programs or services expanding services for learning and access to information.
EXAMPLES:
- Need a program idea? See SAMPLE Programs or the list from the 2019 Public Library Services grants.
- Want to see an application? See a SAMPLE Application.
- Need to see how to do the final report? See a SAMPLE Report.
Thank you to our libraries for sharing their ideas!
FUNDING AVAILABILITY:The grant period is May to August annually, if funds are available. Funding is from $500 to $2,500 per grant. The Library of Michigan will fund as many projects as possible that meet the grant criteria. Funds are distributed by reimbursement ONLY after the grant purchasing is complete.
PROGRAM TIMELINE:
- Application Available - January 2021
- Application Due - March 3, 2021 - 5:00 PM EST
- Grants Awarded - April - May 2021
- Grant Period - May through August 2021
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY: Michigan public libraries that are legally established and eligible for state aid at the time of application. Libraries are eligible to submit one application per location. See the application information packet for more information. Small and rural libraries or libraries that have not received a grant in the last year will be given priority.
- Literacy Programs – This topic area is for the broad idea of literacy programs, such as ESL, early literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, digital literacy, etc.
- APPLICATION & ADMINISTRATION WEBINARS
Public Library Services Grant Program - How to Apply
- Thursday, February 11th - 2:00 PM - REGISTER
How to Manage Your Public Library Services grant
- Thursday, May 6th - 2:00 PM - REGISTER
Webinars will be recorded and the recording link will be sent to everyone who is registered.
Forms and Documents
- Public Library Services Grant Program Application Information packet
Includes sample questions and step-by-step instructions.
- Public Library Services Grant Program Timeline -
- Public Library Services Grant Program - Grant Administration Manual
This manual has the information library staff need to complete their approved Public Library Services grant, including evaluation, reporting and reimbursements.
- Application Form - LSTA Grants - CIPA Form and Certifications and Assurances - For Online Submission Only
- Active Grant Form - Public Library Services Grant Program Reimbursement Form - SAMPLE of Online Form
- Active Grant Form - Public Library Services Grant Program Final Report - SAMPLE of Online Form
- APPLICATION
Application is by online form. The application questions are listed in the Public Library Grant Program Application Information packet above. Applicants should read Application Information packet before submitting an application. If you have further questions, you can participate in the application webinar. The necessary certifications (CIPA form and Certifications & Assurances) are included in the packet and are posted above. All applicants must complete and sign both sections of the certifications and submit them online within the application. The certifications are the applicant's signatures for the grant contract.
APPLY FOR A GRANT or SUBMIT GRANT FORMS
Please contact Karren Reish at 517-241-0021 or reishk@michigan.gov with questions on the program.
Updated 01/26/2021.
IMLS Funding Statement
- This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.