ALA Building Library Capacity Grants - Frequently Asked Questions

This resource provides answers to many questions that you might have about the application process. This page will be updated as additional frequent questions are identified.

Eligibility and Awards | Preparing your application  | Timeline and Review Process | Award Information and Grant Requirements | Additional Questions 

 

Webinar - Recording of the April 25 Grant Infomation Session | Slideshow

 

Q. What types of libraries are eligible to apply for ALA Building Library Capacity Fund in 2023?

A. The opportunity is open to library’s whose institution is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI)

Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (ANNAPISIs)

Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHs)

Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)

Hispanic Serving institutions (HSIs)

Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions (NASNTIs)

Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs)

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

 

Q.  What is considered “experienced economic hardship due the consequences of the pandemic and its aftermath, which has impacted their ability to serve their students?”

It will vary based on the library and its overall situation but those that have seen reduced funding or flat funding that has impacted service. 

Q. How many grants will be awarded and for how much?

A. The Fund has $160,000 and will provide up to 16 grants of $10,000 each.

 

Q.  Does the library need to be an institution member of ALA, or have a staff person who is a member of ALA to be eligible for a grant?

A. No 

 

Q. Can my library that has multiple branches or my school district that has multiple school libraries, submit more than one application?

A. No, there can only be one submission per institution.  But the application can request support for one or more libraries or target audiences.

 

Q. Can grant funds be proposed for multiple services or activities?

A. Yes, if costs allow these services to be covered within the grant award range.

Q. What are some underserved or underrepresented groups that could be target audiences?

• Historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups
• Students who are challenged by the coronavirus pandemic

Preparing your application

Q.  Who should register and fill out the grant application from my library?

A. It can be the library director, grant coordinator, or another staff member who has been assigned on behalf of the institution.  The person responsible for completing the application should be the only person to register  on the application site. Not sure if you, or your someone at your organization has an ALA Apply account profile? If you think that you or someone at your organization has already registered in the system, do not create a new account. Please contact us at publicprograms@ala.org to inquire about an organizational record in ALA Apply.

 

Q.  Are we able to download the grant application to preview?

A. Yes. You can download a PDF version of the application to use as a reference while preparing your application. 

 

Q.  Does the application system allow me to save and return to edit?

A. Yes, you can save and return to edit as many times as you need.

 

Q.  Can I edit my application after it is submitted?

No, once you Submit your application, you will not be allowed to return to edit. 

 

Q. May applications be submitted in hard copy?

A. No. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm Central Time (CT) on May 24, 2023. Applications that are late or incomplete will not be reviewed.

 

 Timeline/Review Process

Q. How will my library’s proposal be reviewed?

A. Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

•             The budget impact on library to provide services to the community.

•             Identification of target audience(s) and their needs.

•             Proposed use of grant funds to serve target audiences.

•             Expected outcomes and impacts and measurements.

•             Budget and alignment of requested items/elements to proposed activities.

Proposals will be assessed, and awardees selected by the ALA Libraries Building Capacity Review Committee. The Committee consists of co-chairs and at least five other members from populations of MSI’s. 

 

Q. How will I be notified about the status of my application?

A. You will receive a confirmation email as soon as your application is submitted. All applicants will be notified of their award status via email by June 30, 2023.

 

Award Information and Grant Requirements

Q. What can funds be requested for?

A. Grants are intended to help support library operations and services (in-person, virtual, mobile, outreach, etc.) Funds can be applied but are not exclusive to:

• Library staff time (direct or indirect, including benefits)
• Purchase or licensing of needed resources or collections (print and electronic)
• Technology (e.g., virtual meeting licenses, iPads, Wi-Fi hotspots, etc.)
• Equipment (for pop-up libraries, etc.)
• General library operations to extend services

Q. Are there any ineligible expenses for the grant funds?

A. No, funds can be requested to cover any needed cost of library operations toward providing the serviced and support for the target audience(s) of the grant.

 

Q: Is overhead allowed in the grant proposal?

A: No, overhead, also known as indirect costs or facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, refers to the expenses associated with running an organization or institution that are not directly related to a specific project or program. These costs may include things like rent, utilities, and administrative salaries. These are not eligible for funding.

 

Q. What will be required if my library is awarded a grant?

A. The grantee will be required to submit two short interim reports on October 1, 2023, and November 15, 2023. The reports will provide updates on activities of the grant toward target audiences and records of items and materials purchased, and any other cost accounts applied to the grant.  A comprehensive final report to ALA on the grant accomplishments, impact, and use of funds will be due February 1, 2024.  

 

Additional Questions

Q. I have additional questions about my application. Who can I contact?

A. You can also send an e-mail the ALA Chapter Relations Office at cro@ala.org or call (312) 280-3200 or toll free (800) 545-2433 x 3200