Overview

This 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 LSTA goals as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5-Year Plan. 

• 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, and civic engagement.

This grant program is designed to support existing and new community-driven library initiatives in areas of technology or programs serving adults. Applicants must cite evidence of a legitimate library need and demonstrate how funds will be used to improved library services for Kentucky residents ages 18 years and older. The following topics are possible areas of focus that fall within the grant purposes. 

1) enable libraries to develop programs for underserved or special needs populations,

2) promote cooperative services for learning, education, and workforce development,

3) promote reading and literacy within local communities,

4) provide money for innovative adult programs and services,

5) provide access to information and special or unique holdings,

6) promote digital services and equity.

Award Information

Libraries of all sizes are encouraged to apply. Recipients will receive funding up-front to provide seed money for their projects. 

Total Award Available: $50,000 

Award Amount: up to $10,000 

Eligibility 

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

KDLA’s Public Library Determination

1. All applicants must have a UEI number and SAM.gov (System for Award Management) registration. Information on how to check the status or obtain a UEI number may be found at SAM.gov | Duns - Sam UEI

2. Have a library director who is properly certified by the Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians; and

3. Be in good standing with the Department for Local Government. 

Timeline

The following is a tentative timeline for this grant. 

• November 1 – January 3, 2025 Applications Open. 
• January 31, 2025 - Awards announced. Projects may begin
• August 31, 2025 Final reports and surveys due.  All funds must be spent and grant activities must be completed. 
• TBA Library Link Up Webinars to share project outcomes

Please read the full grant guidelines before applying!  2025 Special Project Grant Guidelines 

Overview: 

The 2025 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 in-person job related conferences.  

Application Details 

• Applications are available from November 1, 2024, through August 30, 2025 or until funding is exhausted. 
• Libraries will submit one application per conference request

Award Information

Total Funding Available: $25,000

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

• In-state: $1000 per person for a total of $2,000 per library
• Out-of-State Driving: $1500 per person for a total of $3,000 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.  2025 Conferences Grant Guidelines