Overview: 

The 2024 Conferences Grant is made possible by funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This grant aligns with KDLA's five-year strategic plan to increase institutional capacity by providing funding for public library staff in Kentucky to participate in virtual and in-person job related conferences.  

Application Details 

• Applications are available from June 13, 2024, through August 15, 2024, or until funding is exhausted. 
• Libraries will submit one application per conference request

Award Information

Total Funding Available: $43,500 

Award Amounts: KDLA will reimburse conference expenses for up to two staff members per library. Reimbursements are available UP TO the following amounts: 

• Virtual: $250 per person for a total of $500 per library 
• In-state: $500 per person for a total of $1,000 per library
• Out-of-State Driving: $1000 per person for a total of $2,000 per library (covers conferences within driving distance of adjoining states such as OH, IN, IL, TN, or WV)
• Out-of-State Flying: $1800 per person for a total of $3,600 per library

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a legally established public library in Kentucky
• Have a current UEI number (check status at SAM.govSAM.gov | Duns - Sam UEI)
• Have a library director who is properly certified by the KY State Board for the Certification of Librarians; 
• If your organization is an SPGE, be in good standing with the Department for Local Records. 

Please read full guidelines before applying.  2024 Conferences Grant Guidelines

Overview

The 2024 - Special Project Grant is made possible by KDLA’s funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Projects must meet one of the following KDLA goals below.  

• Information Access: Support the information needs of all Kentuckians by providing access to resources and public records. 
• Lifelong Learning: Assist libraries in improving services to Kentuckians that support lifelong learning, employment, early literacy and youth development, and civic engagement. 

This grant program is designed to support existing and new community-driven library initiatives.  The following topics are possible areas of focus that fall within the grant purposes. 

1. enable libraries to develop programs for underserved populations or have special needs,
2. promote cooperative services for learning, education, and workforce development,
3. promote reading and literacy within local communities,
4. provide money for innovative programs and services,
5. provide access to information and special or unique holdings,
6. promote digital services and equity.

Award Information

Grant recipients will receive funds upfront. Applications will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis. 

• Funding available:  $120,000 
• Award amounts:  $1,000 - $10,000

Eligibility

Legally established public libraries in Kentucky that meet the following requirements are eligible to apply.

1. All applicants must have a current UEI number (SAM.gov | Duns - Sam UEI)
2. Have a library director who is properly certified by the KY State Board for the Certification of Librarians
3. Be in good standing with the Department for Local Government. (SPGE's Only)

Timeline

• June 13 - July 30, 2024  Application open
• July 1 –September 30, 2024  Work on projects.   
• September 30, 2024  Final report and receipts are due.  Verifying documents MUST be dated between   March 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024.  

Please review the full guidelines before applying.  

• 2024 Special Project Grant Guidelines

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE PORTAL! A copy of the application is available to refer to before entering information electronically.  

•  2024 Special Project Grant Application.  
   

Overview

The 2025 Continuing Education Grant is made possible by funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This grant supports KDLA’s five-year strategic plan to increase institutional capacity by 

1. enhancing the skills of the current library workforce and leadership and 
2. advancing the delivery of library and information services. 

Eligible expenses

Grant funds may be used for continuing education opportunities such as college classes, training courses, fee-based webinars, conferences, training consultants, and supplies associated with continuing education activities.  

Award Amounts

KDLA has allocated $37,000 for this grant. Final award amounts will be determined using a tiered system based on the number of full-time library staff as reported in the most recently published Annual Report of Kentucky Public Libraries.  

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a legally established public library in Kentucky 
• Have a current UEI number to check go to SAM.gov | Duns - Sam UEI
• Have a library director who is properly certified by the Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians; and
• If your organization is an SPGE, be in good standing with the Department for Local Records. 

Please read the full grant guidelines before applying. 2025 Continuing Education Grant Guidelines