Just a reminder about signing up for one of the application webinars if you are interested in the grant programs. See below for the dates and registration links. Also, if you are considering applying for the Collaborative Library Services grant program, the Intent to File is due February 28^th. Please feel free to contact me to discuss the program if you have questions.

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The informational and application webinars are now available to register for. All webinars will be recorded and everyone who registers will get a link to the recording after the webinar. Please come ready to ask questions! You can find the registration links at the respective grant program sections at www.michigan.gov/lsta and on the Library of Michigan CE Upcoming Events. Brief information on the grant programs is listed below.

• LSTA General Grants Question & Answer - Monday, February 3rd - 2:00 PM
• Public Library Services Grant Program - How to Apply - Tuesday, February 11th - 3:00 PM
• Improving Access to Information Grant Program - How to Apply - Tuesday, March 17th - 11:00 AM
• Collaborative Library Services Grant Program - How to Apply - Wednesday, March 18th - 11:00 AM

Collaborative Library Services Grant program

Interested applicants must submit an Intent to File form by February 28, 2020, 5:00 PM EST. This grant program is designed to provide Michigan libraries with the opportunity to develop innovative programs AND services that have the potential to develop into sustainable regional or statewide programs, AND include strong partnerships between libraries, and/or local community groups or agencies. The full application deadline is May 29, 2020, 5:00 PM EST. Grants will be awarded in August and awarded projects will begin October 1, 2020.

Eligible applicants include Michigan public, academic, school and special libraries as well as non-profit organizations that serve Michigan libraries.

Applicants may propose a library program or service in any content area appropriate for library services, such as:

• To develop an innovative service or program to meet a newly identified community need:

• To meet the increased community demand for a service or resource;

• To improve or develop new services to target populations, such as people from diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; individuals with disabilities; and individuals with limited functional literacy, limited English proficiency or limited information literacy skills.

The grant period will be from one to three years (October through September) and funding will be for $50,000 to $225,000 per year up to a possible total of $500,000 over three years. Grant selection is competitive.

Improving  Access to Information Grant program

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 improve 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:

• 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 the three priorities listed above. The grant period is one year (Oct.-Sept.) and funding is for $5,000 to $25,000 per year. Application are due Friday, May 29th, 2020, 5:00 PM EST and awarded grants will run from Oct. 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.

Public Library Services Grant program

This program provides funding for public libraries to purchase materials and supplies that meet the selected program topics for a given year and are for an identified program or service the library will be providing. Funding is intended to supplement local topical services that improve information access and quality of service in their communities. The focus will be on small projects that improve community services, with a focus on the LSTA priorities listed above.

The grant period is from mid-April to August. Funding will be from $500 to $2,000. Funding is by reimbursement. The application deadline is March 6,  2020.