Libraries: Apply Now for ARPA Grants of up to $5,000
Applications are now open for grants of up to $5,000 to help Iowa public libraries respond to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. The grants come from funding appropriated to the State Library from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Tier 1 and above libraries are invited to apply for the ARPA Grants now at the link below. The non-competitive grants will come in the form of a reimbursement after libraries purchase allowable expenses to respond to library and community needs brought on by the pandemic.
Grant applications must be submitted by July 2, 2021.
The grant funds may be used for materials or technology to support digital inclusion efforts to enable libraries to reach residents, especially in support of education, health, and workforce development needs; and/or to respond to the pandemic and implement public health protocols. The State Library has prepared a list of allowable expenses, which are based on national priorities set by IMLS for the ARPA funding. Note that some items that access the internet may fall under CIPA requirements for filtering.
Application Process
Gather the following information before submitting a grant application:
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Title and brief description of project, including how it aligns to the IMLS priorities for digital inclusion and/or the pandemic response
- Project evaluation plan to measure success
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Itemized costs for allowable items/expenses
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by State Library staff. If approved for the grant, you will receive an award letter via email followed by a Grant Agreement that must be signed by the library grantee representative and returned to the State Library no later than July 30, 2021.
Additional Resources
Contact your District Consultant to discuss the grants, ask questions, or get ideas on how your library could spend the grant funding. If you want to know if an item may be an allowable expense that is not included on the list, contact Nancy Medema.
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