Best Buy Teen Tech Center Grants

Deadline: February 1, 2019
Since 2012, Best Buy has partnered with the Clubhouse Network to open 21 Best Buy Teen Tech Centers in the U.S. In 2019, they will be bringing new centers to 16 additional U.S. cities and are currently accepting proposals for these cities: Los Angeles, CA, San Jose, CA, El Paso, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, Kansas City, MO/KS, and Portland, OR. At the centers, teens leverage technology to develop projects based on their own interests, including creating art and producing music and animations; designing science simulations and mobile applications; writing and illustrating interactive poetry, stories, and films; building kinetic sculptures and robotic constructions; and designing 3D worlds and games.

Best Buy is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations, libraries, and museums, with an afterschool program that includes teens, a respected track record for achieving results through community‐based initiatives, financial stability, and an ability to embrace new technologies as well as sustain a Tech Center over time (minimum three years).

Best Buy will provide a combination of cash and in‐kind support for the first year, including a technology grant to be used to acquire the hardware, software, and necessary accessories; a furniture grant to be used to reflects the "look and feel" of a teen‐centric space; support for facility design and layout, equipment set‐up, software installation, and technical assistance; and a $50,000 grant to be used for staffing, staff development, and travel for required training‐related purposes. Best Buy matching construction grants of up to $50,000 are available to all organizations establishing a new Best Buy Teen Tech Center. In addition, programs can apply for Technology Refresh and Retool grants from Best Buy of up to $10,000 each year to support the center.

To be eligible, applicant organizations must be located within an existing and successful afterschool program that already serves youth between the ages of 13 and 18 and is hosted within a community organization-run facility. Programs must be located within fifteen miles of a Best Buy store.

See the Clubhouse Network webpage for complete program guidelines and application instructions for the five-page proposal.

ALA Mini-Grants for Digital Skills Programs

Deadline: February 14, 2020

ALA has a call for applications for $700 mini-grants for school, tribal, public, and academic libraries to design and implement programs using Google’s Applied Digital Skills resources. Up to 290 eligible libraries will be selected to deliver at least 4 sessions (e.g., drop in, multiple sessions, a spring break camp, or weekend workshop) that prepares learners of all ages to use technology tools between Digital Learning Day, on Feb. 27, and May 31.

Digital Learning Day is an annual event that promotes the effective use of technology tools to enhance learning experiences for youth. This mini-grant program is part of Libraries Ready to Code, an ALA initiative sponsored by Google, that aims to ensure libraries have the resources, capacity, and inspiration to embrace activities that promote computational thinking (CT) among our nation’s learners. Applied Digital Skills is a free, online digital skills curriculum that provides video-based lessons to prepare learners of all ages for the future of work.

Successful applicants will plan their own activities using tools and inspiration provided by Applied Digital Skills resources. Visit the Libraries Ready to Code website for more information and to apply.

2022 ALA COVID Library Relief Fund

Deadline: April 21, 2022

The American Library Association (ALA) will make available $1.55M in emergency relief grants to more than 75 libraries in 2022 that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund invites public, school, academic, tribal, and correctional libraries across the United States and US Territories to apply for grants of $20,000.

These funds are intended to bolster library operations and services including broadening technology access, developing collections, providing digital instruction, staffing, and expanding outreach, as well as maintaining and amplifying existing service strategies or adding new ones to extend impact through the end of 2022. Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Staff time (only salaries and benefits. Bonuses are not eligible)
• Collections
• Technology
• Furnishings and Equipment
• Materials and Supplies
• Promotion
• Operation Expenses

Funds will support libraries' ability to provide their users with the information services and digital access they need to retain or secure socio-economic mobility during a time of shift and upheaval. Libraries serving low-income and rural communities, or communities that are predominately Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and People of Color, are especially encouraged to apply.

A webinar on March 24 will provide information on the fund, the application process, and respond to questions you might have. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is generously supported by Acton Family Giving as part of its pandemic responsive grantmaking. The guidelines provide links to application templates. Also, note that signatures are required from three representatives. 

For more information and a link to the online application, visit the website: https://www.ala.org/aboutala/ala-covid-library-relief-fund

2024–2025 PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive Program

Deadline: October 18, 2024

Are you a public library looking to enhance your community's digital literacy skills? The Public Library Association (PLA), in partnership with AT&T, offers funding and resources through the Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive program to support libraries in teaching essential digital skills using PLA's DigitalLearn course modules and training materials that are freely available to anyone. Since 2022, PLA and AT&T have empowered nearly 400 public libraries to conduct over 3,800 workshops, reaching more than 19,000 learners. With support from AT&T's Connected Learning initiative, PLA has expanded and updated its DigitalLearn courses, now offering materials in both English and Spanish.

Funding Details:

• 50 large libraries will receive $10,000 each to teach a minimum of 75 learners.
• 50 small libraries (service population of less than 100,000) will receive $5,000 each to teach a minimum of 30 learners.
• Eligible Expenses: Grant funds can be used for hiring trainers, purchasing training aids, giveaways, and technology, printing materials, advertising workshops, translating materials, providing snacks, transportation, and childcare, renting space, and more.

Key Requirements include:

• Conduct Workshops by May 30, 2025 using DigitalLearn training content such as: Internet Basics, Video Conferencing Basics, Cybersecurity Basics, Email Basics, Computer Basics (Windows 10), Computer Basics (macOS 11), Mobile Device Basics (Android), Mobile Device Basics (iOS).
• Collect post-workshop learner surveys, report monthly participant numbers, and complete a final evaluation survey by June 16, 2025.
• Develop a plan to recruit learners, especially from underserved groups, and announce the award through various communication channels.
• Open to public libraries in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Libraries must apply as systems, not individual branches.

For more information, visit the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive website. Apply through ALA Apply, the American Library Association's Grant Management System.

NEH/ALA American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries

Deadline: December 2, 2021

With funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the American Library Association (ALA) will distribute $2 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to help anchor libraries as strong humanities institutions as they emerge and rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of this emergency relief program is to assist libraries that have been adversely affected by the pandemic and require support to restore and sustain their core activities.

ALA will distribute up to 200 ARP grants of $10,000 each to libraries, with an emphasis on reaching libraries in historically underserved and/or rural communities. Libraries will be selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process. To qualify for this grant, the applying institution must be a library of any type (e.g., public, tribal, K-12, academic, special, prison) located in the United States or a U.S. territory. Note: Libraries that received funding through NEH’s American Rescue Plan: Humanities Organization program are not eligible to receive funding through this offering.

ARP: Humanities Grants for Libraries funding is designed to provide libraries with flexible funding to reaffirm and strengthen their roles, post-pandemic, as vibrant centers of humanities learning, conversation, and connection. Every day, libraries engage people in reading and discussing literature; host authors and speakers; lead important, and often challenging, conversations that stretch their patrons’ understanding of the world around them; and record and archive their communities’ stories through oral history collections and digitization projects. The general goals of this ARP funding opportunity include:

• To assist with creating or preserving jobs
• To support or maintain general operations
• To create or sustain humanities programs
• To implement new humanities activities or sustain existing activities

Below are several examples of eligible expenses; note that this list is not exhaustive:

• Salary and benefit support for library workers engaged in humanities activities
• Costs related to humanities programming (in-person or virtual), such as book clubs, guest lectures, exhibition development, oral history collection, digitization projects, or heritage festivals
• Purchases of books, e-books, or technology for use in humanities programming
• Marketing and advertising to support library humanities efforts

To apply for ARP: Humanities Grants for Libraries, or any grant from the ALA Public Programs Office, you must first create an account in their grant administration platform. For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/ARPhumanities

ALA Library Building Capacity Grants

 Deadline: April 9, 2025 (by 11:59 p.m. Central Time) 

The American Library Association (ALA) Building Library Capacity Grants will assist public libraries that are or will serve New Americans (immigrants and refugees). The Building Library Capacity Grants are supported by the Mellon Foundation. Up to sixteen $10,000 grants will be given to successful library applicants nationwide. The grants are intended for library operations, including, but not limited to staff salary (direct or indirect,) materials, technology, and in-person or virtual services. Grants are to establish, re-establish, sustain, amplify services, or create newly needed services.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• The budget impact on the library to provide services to the community.
• Identification of target audience(s) and their needs.
• Proposed use of grant funds to serve target audiences.
• Expected outcomes, impacts, and measurements.
• Budget and alignment of requested items/elements to proposed activities.

For more information, including a PDF of the application, and a link to the online submission portal, ALA Apply, visit the ALA website: https://www.ala.org/aboutala/Building-Library-Capacity-Grants

T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program for Small and Rural Communities

Deadlines: Quarterly; the last day of each quarter 

T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns with populations of less than 50,000. Apply for funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing or repurposing a historic library, creating a downtown asset or destination, technology projects for the public library, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest. Grants are up to $50k per town.

Elected leaders, town managers and employees, and nonprofit leaders are eligible to submit applications. The full proposal should be three-five pages, and include a "shovel-ready” plan, and up to 5 letters of support.

Applications open on a quarterly basis with the following schedule:

• Spring: Applications open January – March
• Summer: Applications open April – June
• Fall: Applications open July – September
• Winter: Applications open October – December

For more information and to apply, visit the website: t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants 

ProLiteracy Adult Literacy Grants

Deadlines: Varies, see specific opportunity

ProLiteracy provides U.S. adult literacy programs with grants for quality print and digital adult education materials to help them reach more adult learners to improve their lives.

There are four grant opportunities available. Through the National Book Fund® and the Mobile Learning Fund®, programs can apply for grants to receive free New Readers Press® print and digital solutions. And through the Write Her Future Institute, a women’s empowerment through literacy program provided through our partnership with Lancôme USA, programs can apply for free licenses of Voxy®, a personalized mobile learning solution focused on English language learning. With the Literacy Opportunity Fund programs in the United States that provide literacy education services directly to students can apply for general operating support grants. Details about two of the grant funds with current open opportunities:

Literacy Opportunity Fund
Quarterly deadlines: January 3, April 1, July 1, and October 1
Funded by the Nora Roberts Foundation and administered by ProLiteracy, the Literacy Opportunity Fund distributes grants of $3,000 to $6,000 to support general operating expenses, such as salaries, technology, supplies, teacher stipends, equipment, space rental, etc. However, your application might also focus on a particular project or new programming effort.

Write Her Future Institute
Deadline: Grants are awarded on a rolling basis.
ProLiteracy and Lancôme worked together to develop the Write Her Future Institute to empower women through literacy, by providing the opportunities and tools for women to improve their lives. The Lancôme grant to ProLiteracy will provide free access to Voxy EnGen®, a personalized language learning platform that pairs authentic content with personalized live instruction—all delivered in a fully mobile experience.

Pushing the Limits Grants

Deadline: April 1, 2013 EXTENDED: May 15, 2013

The CALIFA Group (a California-based library consortium) presents Pushing the Limits: a Reading, Viewing, and Discussion Series for Rural Libraries. This program extends the building blocks of science literacy to two new audiences: rural librarians and adults in the communities they serve. 

The CALIFA Group is opening a national search for 75 rural libraries to join a grant project funded by the National Science Foundation. The goal is to strengthen adult science programming and resources in small and rural public libraries and to enhance public interest and involvement in STEM topics-- science, technology, engineering and math. Up to 75 public libraries in the United States will receive a grant of $2,500, program materials including videos, and will participate in an on-line training program. As part of the project, you will identify and work with a science partner to present the programs. The science partner should be a local scholar or someone who has knowledge of science. The project's professional development will include strategies for selecting and collaborating with a science partner. 

More details and the online application are available on the website.

Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries: School Library Grants

Deadline: December 6, 2024

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries provides funds to the neediest schools to extend, update, and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning.

The grant may be used to purchase school library books, e-books, and magazines. The funds can not be used for shelving, furniture, technology, equipment, staffing, or classroom book sets. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A certified librarian or other paid professional must be assigned as responsible for the collection, care, and use of the materials housed in the school library.
• Public school applicants must be Title 1 eligible. Neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, etc. may apply if Title 1 eligible.
• Private and parochial schools may apply if at least 50% of their student population qualifies for financial aid.
• The school must have a library or designated space on campus where books are accessible to all students to check out.

For more information and to apply, visit the website: https://www.bushcenter.org/lbf-application-details.

Emergency Connectivity Fund: 3rd Round Open!

Deadline: May 13, 2022

This $7.17 billion program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 through the FCC’s E-rate program presents an unprecedented funding opportunity for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most beyond the confines of library walls. The ECF program provides no-match-needed funding to schools and libraries for the reasonable costs of eligible equipment and services that can be provided to students, teachers, and library patrons who lack connected devices, such as laptop or tablet computers, and/or lack broadband access. 

Participating public and tribal libraries and K12 schools will receive 100% reimbursement for the cost of hotspots and other Wi-Fi capable devices, modems, routers, laptops, tablets, and similar devices to loan to patrons, students, teachers, and staff for use off and on library and school grounds.

To help libraries take advantage of this one-time infusion of funding to offset expenses associated with providing connectivity to library patrons who need it most, the ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office has created an Emergency Connectivity Fund Solutions Toolkit. "The ECF presents an unprecedented funding opportunity for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most beyond the confines of library walls. With 100 percent reimbursement of costs for eligible equipment and services and the ability to receive upfront reimbursement, now is the moment to think big about how your library can leverage new funding to boost current technology lending efforts to reach more people or launch new services to connect your community…or both! Your library may also take advantage of other ARPA funds to support related digital inclusion needs, such as programming, staffing, and staff training."

Examples include: 

• a library applied for $100,000 in funding to purchase Chromebooks that would accompany preexisting hotspots for a telehealth access program
• a rural library system applied for funding in partnership with the local city government to supply 2,000 hotspots to residents on a 1 year loan period
• an urban library applied for funding to purchase over 30,000 hotspots and Chromebooks to distribute to students in partnership with local school districts

NOTE: Organizations must be registered on SAM. It can take up to 20 days for SAM registration to become active. Apply as soon as possible. Go to https://www.sam.gov. See the ECF toolkit for more instructions on Preparing to Apply for the ECF Program.

ALA's  Emergency Connectivity Fund Solutions Toolkit: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/ECF 

Emergency Connectivity Fund: https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund 

ALA Library Census Equity Fund

Deadline: November 22, 2019

The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting applications for Library Census Equity Fund mini-grants. ALA will provide 25 libraries with $2,000 mini-grants to bolster their service to hard-to-count communities and help achieve a complete count in the 2020 Census.

Applicants may propose activities such as conducting community outreach activities or expanding the library’s technology capacity for people completing the census questionnaire online. All types of libraries and library organizations are eligible to apply (e.g., public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries, tribal libraries, state library agencies, Library Friends or Foundations, library cooperatives, state library associations, etc.).

Historically, certain groups of people have been undercounted disproportionately by the decennial census. Traditionally undercounted populations include young children, American Indians and Alaska Natives, people experiencing homelessness, and people of color, among others. In the 2020 Census, which will have a new online response option, people who lack internet access or online skills may also be at risk of being undercounted.

For more information and to apply using the simple online application, visit the website. 

Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

Deadline: September 23, 2024 (October 22, 2024 for U.S. Territories)
Opens: August 14, 2024

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will accept applications for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. This grant, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to fund initiatives that ensure communities have the access and skills to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances.

NTIA anticipates issuing between 150 and 200 grants within a range of $5-$12 million per award. Eligible organizations include state agencies, such as agencies responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities; native entities; nonprofits; community anchor institutions; local educational agencies; and workforce development programs.

Proposed programs, projects, and activities will support digital inclusion activities, broadband adoption, training programs, workforce development, and public access computing centers, and will help to:

• Achieve digital equity and promote digital inclusion.
• Spur greater adoption and meaningful use of broadband among Covered Populations to provide educational and employment opportunities.
• Implement training programs for Covered Populations covering basic, advanced, and applied skills.
• Implement workforce development programs.
• Provide equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, and digital network technology for broadband services to Covered Populations at low or no cost.
• Construct, upgrade, expand, or operate new or existing public access computing centers for Covered Populations through community anchor institutions.
• Undertake any other project or activity consistent with the purposes of the Program.

Grantees may also use up to 10 percent of the grant amount to measure and evaluate grant activities.

Submit complete applications via the NTIA Grants Portal. For more details, including a FAQ and application packet, visit the BroadbandUSA website.

March 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Woohoo! Get ready, library grant writers. Libraries are eligible for billions of dollars in recovery funding as part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 passed by Congress on March 10, 2021. There will be lots of grant opportunities coming up! Here's an overview of some of the funding included: 

• The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) received $200 million
• $178 million allocated for Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) will go to state library administrative agencies on a population-based formula, with $2 million state minimum
• $7.172 billion for an Emergency Education Connectivity Fund through the FCC’s E-rate program. Participating libraries will receive 100% reimbursement for the cost of hotspots and other Wi-Fi capable devices, modems, routers, laptops, tablets and similar devices to loan to patrons
• More than $360 billion to state, local and tribal community governments to offset potential cuts to public health, safety, and education programs
• $130 billion for education costs for the safe reopening of K-12 schools; hiring additional staff; reducing class size; modifying spaces; addressing academic & mental health needs
• $40 billion for colleges and institutions of higher education to defray pandemic-related expenses and provide emergency assistance to students
• $135 million each for National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities to support state and regional arts and humanities agencies. 40% of this funding is designated for grants and administration for state arts and humanities agencies, while 60% percent will go for direct grants eligible to libraries
• Visit ALA's site for a helpful overview and links to more information, including a handy form for thanking your members of Congress for passing legislation to help libraries and communities recover from the pandemic. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/american-rescue-plan-library-relief  

Communities for Immunity: Library and Museum Grants

Deadline Round Two:  October 29, 2021

Communities for Immunity is seeking proposals that aim to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake in communities across the United States.

 

Funding awards will be provided to museums and libraries to leverage their deep relationships with local communities to improve vaccine confidence through highly localized approaches. By providing funding awards to these trusted community institutions, the initiative will use new and existing resources to reach Americans across the nation. Additionally, a Community of Practice will be created to develop and refine vaccine education resources that will be shared with the broader museum and library community. This FAQ page includes resources to help you determine which groups in your community might have higher rates of vaccine hesitancy.

This funding opportunity is for museums, libraries, science centers, zoos, aquariums, gardens, tribal organizations, and other cultural institutions located in the United States, including territories and tribal lands. To be eligible for this award, your organization must be either a private nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status or part of a State or local government or a multipurpose not-for-profit entity, such as a municipality, university, historical society, foundation, or cultural center. Additionally, organizations must qualify according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services Eligibility Criteria.

An estimated 154 awards will be granted ranging from $1,500–$100,000. Projects are to be completed by March 31, 2022. Some smaller projects may use existing resources and materials to communicate about vaccines, like printing and distributing pamphlets about COVID-19 vaccination, facilitating a community discussion about vaccines, or opening or maintaining a vaccination site. Higher-budget proposals may create entirely new materials that can later be shared with other institutions. Read the applicant toolkit for more information about the application process.

Communities for Immunity seeks effective, innovative ways to engage vaccine-hesitant populations. Compelling proposals will include coordination with partners, such as local health officials, community organizations, or other libraries, museums, or cultural institutions.

Communities for Immunity is administered by the Association of Science and Technology Centers in partnership with the American Alliance of Museums and the Network of the National Library of Medicine, with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additional information, including a toolkit and details on registering and applying for the grant opportunity, is available on this website. 

PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive Program

 Deadline: October 18, 2024

The 2024–2025 PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive is a pilot program supported by AT&T. This initiative is designed to support libraries that already have Digital Navigators in place, providing funding to enhance their efforts in teaching digital literacy skills using PLA's DigitalLearn course modules that are freely available to anyone.

Digital Navigators are individuals who help community members navigate the digital world, providing guidance and support for various digital literacy topics. This program aims to equip these Navigators with additional resources to better serve their communities.

Funding Details: 

• 35 libraries will receive $4,000 each to support their Digital Navigators and reach at least 15 learners.
• Grant funds can be used to compensate Digital Navigators, advertise the program, purchase training aids, supplies, technology, and giveaways, print and translate materials, provide snacks, transportation, childcare, and more.

Key Requirements:

• Conduct training by May 30, 2025, engaging a minimum of 15 learners, using DigitalLearn training content such as: Internet Basics, Video Conferencing Basics, Cybersecurity Basics, Email Basics, Computer Basics (Windows 10), Computer Basics (macOS 11), Mobile Device Basics (Android), Mobile Device Basics (iOS).
• Submit the necessary forms by November 15, 2024, and watch all onboarding videos and webinars.
• Collect learner surveys and report monthly learner numbers. Participate in evaluation interviews and surveys.
• Develop a plan to recruit learners, particularly from underserved groups, and announce the award through various communication channels.
• Open to public libraries in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., that already have a Digital Navigator.

For more information, visit the PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive website. Apply through ALA Apply, the American Library Association's Grant Management System.

PLA and Microsoft Public WiFi Access Micro Grant Program for Rural Libraries

Deadline: Awards will be made weekly until all funds are distributed.

The Public Library Association (PLA) and Microsoft Corp. are working together to increase access to technology in rural communities during the COVID-19 crisis. Microsoft will provide $120,000 to help public libraries in rural communities with hardware and support to install public WiFi access points on or near library grounds. The initiative will cover the costs of the hardware, and when approved, installation.

Only rural libraries in specific counties are eligible, please review this list of eligible states and counties.  PLA and Microsoft are targeting these resources at libraries that may not otherwise have capacity to purchase and install public access points, so libraries must be serving rural communities (as defined by IMLS locale codes 41, 42, or 43. See IMLS Public Libraries Survey, Fiscal Year 2017, pages 23–24).

For all libraries, including those who are not eligible for hardware and other support due to size or geography, PLA and Microsoft are offering training tools and other resources to help with virtual programing. Visit PLA’s Digital Literacy page for free online training resources, recorded webinars on offering digital literacy training, and more.

This initiative offers hardware (Cisco AIR-AP3702I-A-K9 or other products) to create new public WiFi access points using the library’s current WiFi service outside the library facility. Priority will be to libraries that only need hardware and can install themselves or through their own ISPs or community partners. Libraries approved may submit expense reimbursement (up to $500) for materials and costs to promote the new service. Libraries needing installation help are encouraged to apply and are eligible, but additional steps will be needed to secure installation assistance, so awards may take longer to complete. All eligible libraries who apply and are approved will be connected with Microsoft to arrange delivery of the hardware, at a minimum, and to arrange assistance with installation if needed.

Awards will be made to successful applicants on a rolling basis each week until the commitment is fulfilled. Applications received by Monday (May 4, May 11, May 18, etc.) will be reviewed that week and recipients will be notified on Friday of that week (May 8, May 15, May 22, etc.). PLA and Microsoft will continue to accept applications until funds secured for the program are exhausted.

Read grant overview
Preview the application
Review the list eligible states and counties
Complete the application

Humanities Open Book Program

Deadline: September 13, 2016

The Humanities Open Book Program is designed to make outstanding out-of-print humanities books available to a wide audience. By taking advantage of low-cost “ebook” technology, the program will allow teachers, students, scholars, and the public to read humanities books that have long been out of print. Humanities Open Book is jointly sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Visit the NEH website for more information including guidelines and application package.

ALA Peggy Barber Tribute Grant for Programming

Deadline: February 3, 2025, at 11:59 pm (CST)

Want to host a program for seniors in your community? The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is an annual grant of the American Library Association (ALA) that recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming.

The grant, named after the late library leader Peggy Barber, aims to help ease library budget challenges by awarding three libraries $2,500 to support a proposed program, program series, or programming effort. Proposed programs may occur in a virtual, hybrid, or in-person format at your library.

For the 2024–2025 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications to support programming related to combatting isolation for older adults. Examples include a technology training club to learn to stay connected online or a social club to bring adults together around an activity like crafting or gardening.

All library types in the U.S. or U.S. territories are eligible. Applicants must have a personal or institutional membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

Visit the website for more information, including the grant guidelines, FAQs, online application link, and a PDF of the application for reference.

STAR Net STEAM Equity Project: Enhancing Learning Opportunities in Libraries of Rural Communities

Deadline for Notice of Intent: July 20, 2020

The STAR Net STEAM Equity Project will award grants to twelve public libraries in small and rural U.S. communities (library service population of under 25,000) to offer outstanding, culturally responsive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programming, materials, and exhibitions for their communities, especially often-underreached Latino populations.

With support at the national level from the project team as well as local partnerships, the libraries will engage their communities through three STEAM learning pathways: 1) STEAM exploration spaces, seeded by STAR Net traveling exhibitions, 2) active learning programs, and 3) STEAM outreach kits.

Selected libraries will receive $15,000 to participate in numerous professional development activities, support community partnerships and purchase materials as they customize STEAM learning experiences from Winter 2020-Summer 2024. Virtual support will be given from the project team through check-in calls and webinars.

Interested library workers are invited to complete a brief Notice of Intent (NOI) about community demographics and needs. Estimated time to complete the online form is 15 minutes. For more information, visit the website and read the FAQ.