ALA and Simple Mobile launch 'Connected Communities' grants to advance mobile literacy in urban libraries

Call for Applications: Grant Opportunity for Public Libraries in Urban Communities

The American Library Association (ALA), in partnership with Simple Mobile, invites public libraries in urban areas to apply for participation in Connected Communities: Mobile Literacy in Action. This one-year pilot program will provide funding and support for libraries to build and strengthen adult and family literacy programs through a mobile-first lens.

About the Program

Smartphones are essential tools for work, education, healthcare, and family connection, yet most digital literacy programs still focus on computers. This initiative centers mobile literacy in library programming, helping communities develop the practical skills needed for communication, access, and participation in today’s digital world.

Five selected libraries will each receive an $8,000 grant to create or expand local programming, with support from ALA and Simple Mobile.

What Participating Libraries Will Receive

• Funding: $8,000 mini-grant to support workshops and activities.
• Toolkit: Adaptation of the GSMA Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit, applied to libraries for the first time!
• Training & Support: Kickoff webinar, monthly office hours, and peer discussion forum.
• National Visibility: Recognition through ALA and Simple Mobile’s national platforms, including storytelling campaigns.
• Evaluation Tools: Standardized surveys and reporting framework to measure impact.

Example Library Activities

Libraries will be expected to host a minimum of ten (10) activities over the course of the project. Examples of acceptable activities include but are not limited to:

• Workshops on mobile banking, telehealth apps, or school communication platforms.
• Family storytelling projects using mobile video and messaging tools.
• Coaching on online privacy, safety, and scam awareness.

Eligibility

Libraries must be located in an urbanized area (population 50,000+) as defined by the U.S. Census.

Libraries must agree that grant funds will not be used to purchase Internet access service or equipment that connects to the Internet.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a diverse panel of ALA staff, literacy experts, and independent reviewers. Priority will be given to libraries that:

• Serve multilingual populations.
• Have youth-focused literacy programs in place.
• Demonstrate strong community outreach and partnership capacity.

Timeline

• Applications Open: November 3, 2025
• Applications Due: December 31, 2025 at 11:59pm Central
• Grantees Announced: January 19, 2026
• Program Launch: February 1, 2026

How to Apply

Complete the online application form.

Applications must include:

• Community demographics and needs assessment.
• Description of current literacy and technology initiatives.
• Plan for sustaining mobile literacy programming beyond the grant year.

Questions?

Contact Aubrey Huff, Assistant Director of Literacy and Continuing Education, at ahuff@ala.org.

Be part of the first library cohort to bring mobile-first literacy to your community. Apply today to make everyday digital participation accessible and equitable for all.

About Simple Mobile
Simple Mobile provides no-contract wireless service, backed by the award-winning Verizon 5G network, featuring plans that allow customers to have fast, nationwide, network coverage at a fair price. Committed to giving customers more value, Simple Mobile includes benefits like unlimited global texting on all plans, generous international calling options to 200+ destinations and affordable roaming – making it easier than ever to stay connected to loved ones across the globe. Simple Mobile is part of the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Visible, Tracfone, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, and Verizon Prepaid. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services.
For more information on Simple Mobile, visit simplemobile.com

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For nearly 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.