Are you looking to boost your CV or resume? The American Library Association Public Programs Office has a paid opportunity that you can apply for right now to get a head start on your 2024 professional development goals. The Public Programs Office is looking for peer reviewers to evaluate applications for round 2 of Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities. Reviewers are a crucial part of the application process and are essential to helping select the applications that will be awarded. Application deadline has been extended to November 15, 2023...

Applications for round 3 of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities are open from September 11 until December 11, 2024 at 11:59pm CT. All applications and application materials are submitted on ALA Apply. Please review the Project Guidelines for step-by-step application instructions and check out the FAQs for any questions regarding the grant or application process. Application Resources For general grant writing tips, watch the webinar Grant Writing 101 For specific review of the LTC Access initiative and application process, watch the recording of the Pre...

Hotspot and Laptop Lending Libraries were provided with five (5) hotspots and five (5) laptops for lending during a one-year period (August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024). Service for the five hotspots is continued through December 31, 2025, but laptop lending will no longer be a requirement of the continuation grant (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025). ALA Connect is a great way to exchange information, ideas, and solutions for your hotspot and laptop lending programs. We can also support you with your devices while they are under your care if the need arises. Email publicprograms@ala.org to...

Programming Details Libraries selected to participate in Community Connect: Fostering Digital Access are required to host at least 3 public programs. Each site should host at least one financial capability program and one digital literacy program. Libraries can use the grant stipend to cover costs associated with hosting the required programs. All Community Connect programs must be free to the public. To ensure that all programming is strictly noncommercial, the public programs may not be offered in conjunction with financial service firms. More information on hosting programs focused on...

Training ALA staff will host an all-day orientation workshop at ALA’s Annual Conference. Those who are unable to attend the orientation workshop should view the following: Workshop slide deck We will also be offering additional virtual training over the course of the grant. These may include additional information about digital literacy programming and financial capability programming. You will be notified of these as they become available. Program Evaluation ALA is working with PIE: Plan, Implement, Evaluate to study how Community Connect impacts internet access, use, digital literacy, and...

Questions/Contact Information If you have questions, please contact the Public Programs Office at publicprograms@ala.org or 312-280-5045. Important Dates 45 days prior to the start of your programs – submit the pre-programs form on ALA Apply January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 – grant implementation period December 31, 2025 – spend down the grant funds and complete programs January 31, 2026 – submit the final report form on ALA Apply ALA Connect Community Community Connect project directors are members of an online project discussion group through ALA Connect. As a member of the discussion...

Welcome Community Connect: Fostering Digital Access grant recipients (a.k.a. project directors)! The following pages contain information and resources that you will need during your grant period. General Information ALA Contact Important Dates ALA Connect Spending Grant Funds American with Disability Act Logistics Training Resources Program Evaluation and Surveys Required Forms Programming Hotspots and Laptops Setup Resources Lending Policy Resources Publicity Ready-Made Graphic Materials Communicating About Your Grant Logos and Credit Statements

Date Posted: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Deadline for Submission: 11:59pm CT on Saturday, October 14, 2023 Award Notification: January 2024 Apply Online via our grants management platform. Preview a PDF of the application here. How To Apply To submit a proposal, go to the online application form and complete the following steps. If this is your first time submitting an application through our grants management system, you may want to first review our How to Apply webpage. If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive...