Improving Access to Information Grant Program (medium grants)

This LSTA grant program is designed to provide public and academic libraries with the opportunity to expand services for learning and access to information and/or to develop library services that provide all users access to information. The intent is to fund one-year projects that increase capacity to provide access to library collections and information. In a given fiscal year, the Library of Michigan will fund a limited number of grants that meet these priorities.

2020/2021 grant program is open. Program documentation and the application packet are posted below. The application is submitted through the online link under Apply for a Grant. Please read the program documentation BEFORE submitting an application. The applications are due Friday, May 29th at 5:00 PM EST.

GRANT PRIORITIES:

• Improve access to services & information in areas of literacy.
• Improve access to services & information in areas of local history or special collections.
• Improve access to information for community users with limited online access, e.g. improving equity through digital inclusion.

Applicants may propose a project for any of these three priorities.

GRANT GUIDELINES:

• Literacy projects that improve community literacy for a range of topics, such as early literacy, financial literacy, digital literacy, English as a second language (ESL), health literacy, etc. Examples are supporting programming in a community group like a teen center, creating a pop-up library collection that supports an identified local need, etc.
   
• Local history or special collections projects that engage local communities in the collection, documentation, and preservation of their local histories, experiences, and identities. Examples are preservation and promotion of an existing collection, collaborating with a local museum to bring together a themed collection, etc. 
   
• Access to Information projects that focus on digital inclusion, meaning increasing or improving services for users with limited online access. Examples are hot spot lending programs, support for technology training, using assistive devices with disabled patrons, etc.

Within the priorities, successful applications will address the guidelines listed above.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY:

Michigan public and academic libraries. Public libraries must be legally established and eligible for state aid at the time of application. Eligibility will be confirmed by the Library of Michigan.

FUNDING AVAILABILITY:

The Library of Michigan announces each fiscal year whether competitive grant funds are available. The grant period is one year (October - September) and funding is for $5,000 to $25,000 per year.

PROGRAM TIMELINE:

• Application Due Date  - Last Business Day of May - Friday, May 29th, 5:00 PM EST.
• Grants Awarded - August
• Grants Award Period - October 1 - September 30

LSTA General Grants Question & Answer

• Monday, February 3rd - 2:00 PM - REGISTER

Improving Access to Information Grant Program - How to Apply

• Tuesday, March 17th - 11:00 AM - REGISTER

This manual has the information library staff need to complete their approved Improving Access to Information grant, including evaluation, reporting and reimbursements.

Application is by online form. The application questions are listed in the Improving Access to Information General Information and Application Information document above. Potential applicants should read this document before submitting an application. If you have further questions, you can participate in the application webinar before applying. The necessary certifications (CIPA and Certifications & Assurances) are included in the Grant Application Information document and are also posted above. Print and sign the certifications and submit them online within your application.

APPLY FOR A GRANT OR SUBMIT GRANT FORMS

1. Submit an Application - Due Friday, May 29th by 5:00 PM EST.
    
2. Return to a saved application and/or submit a form.

Please contact Karren Reish at 517-241-0021 or reishk@michigan.gov with questions on the program.

Updated 01/02/2020