Please see below for information on the Institute of Museum and Library Services competitive grant programs, the National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG) and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21). Two page proposals for the 2016 programs will be accepted until Oct. 1, 2015. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 reishk@michigan.gov<mailto:reishk@michigan.gov> From: IMLSNews Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 5:14 PM To: IMLS Staff <IMLSStaff@imls.gov> Subject: Notices of Funding Opportunity: First Round for FY16 NLG-Libraries & LB21 Program FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2015 IMLS Press Contact 202-653-4799 Giuliana Bullard, gbullard@imls.gov<mailto:gbullard@imls.gov> Notices of Funding Opportunity: First Round of Funding for FY 2016 National Leadership Grants for Libraries and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Preliminary two-page proposals that address IMLS priorities will be accepted until the October 1, 2015 deadline Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announces the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for the first round of FY 2016 National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG)<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=1&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794> and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21)<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=2&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794>. The NLG program will invest in projects that address challenges faced by the library and archive fields and generate results such as new tools, research findings, or models that can be widely used. The LB21 program will support human capital capacity projects for libraries and archives. Preliminary two-page proposals that address IMLS priorities will be accepted until the October 1, 2015 deadline. The 2016 NLG and LB21 programs will respond to priorities around the National Digital Platform and Learning in Libraries, the topics of two IMLS Focus convenings in 2015. Materials from the nationally webcasted meetings<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=3&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794> are available to help inform the development of projects. Each program’s NOFO provides more information about the types of activities that can be funded under these project categories. Based on the success of a two-phase process piloted in the NLG program in 2015, IMLS has made similar changes to the LB21 program for 2016. IMLS will offer two opportunities to apply to each program in the fall and spring, and this set of NOFOs announces the October 1, 2015 deadline with a call for two-page preliminary proposals. From these proposals, IMLS will select applicants and invite them to submit full proposals by January 2016. Applicants who are not invited to continue from the first round of funding will be welcomed to submit new preliminary proposals in February. Getting Your Questions Answered IMLS staff members listed on the NLG<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=4&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794> and LB21<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=5&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794> program pages are available by phone and email to discuss general issues relating to the programs. Informational webinars will be held on Tuesday, September 8, at 4:00 PM Eastern and (repeated) on Tuesday, September 9, at 3:00 PM Eastern. For more information about the webinars, see the IMLS Webinar webpage<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=6&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794>. IMLS is using the Blackboard Collaborate system (version 12.6). First-time Blackboard users should check their system compatibility and configure their settings<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=7&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794>. About the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=8&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794> and 35,000 museums<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=9&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794>. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=10&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794> and follow us on Facebook<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=11&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794> and Twitter<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=12&d=73&mid=334334&m=2794>.