Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Application Questions (Preparing your application, Eligibility, Timeline/Review Process)
- Award Information and Grant Requirements
- Additional Questions and Accessibility
Application Questions
Preparing your application
Q. May I preview the grant application before completing it?
A. Yes. You may download a PDF of the application for reference; the application process is also covered in detail in the guidelines.
Q. May applications be submitted in hard copy?
A. No. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (CST) on February 1, 2024. Applications that are late or incomplete will not be reviewed. If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive technologies, please contact publicprograms@ala.org or call 312.280.5045. Please also include information about the nature of your accessibility barrier so we can best provide support.
Q. This is my first time applying for a grant through ALA's grants management platform. How do I use the system?
A: For more information about using our grants management system, please visit our How to Apply webpage.
Q. This is my first time applying for a grant. Do you have any helpful resources?
A. For tips on writing a competitive grant application, we encourage you to watch the Programming Librarian webinar, Grant Writing 101. For more information about past successful LTCEG applications, you can read the program model for our 2020 Winner or watch the webinar from our 2021 Winner on Programming Librarian.
Q. Do we need to collaborate with partner organizations to be eligible to apply for this grant?
A. Yes. One of the requirements of this grant is that the library work with at least one community partner. You will be required to submit a letter of support from this community partner.
Q. Who should my letters of support be addressed to?
A. You can address any letters of support to the ALA Public Programs Office. Note that they must be uploaded and submitted through the online grants management system.
Q. What do you mean by certifying official?
A. The certifying official who signs off on your application should be anyone with your library who is able to submit applications for funding on behalf of the institution. This may vary depending on the institution but is typically the library director.
Q. Can the certifying official be the same person as the project director and/or the person submitting the application?
A. Yes. The certifying official can be the same person listed as the project director and/or the person submitting the proposal as long as they are able to submit applications for funding on behalf of their institution.
Q. Can I edit my application after it has been submitted?
A. No. Applications cannot be edited after they are submitted.
Eligibility
Q. What types of libraries are eligible?
A. This opportunity is open to all types of libraries in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Q. I’m not currently a member of ALA. If I sign up for an individual membership or my library signs-up for an institutional membership, can I apply for the grant?
A. Yes. Your institution is eligible to apply if an ALA personal or organizational membership is current at the time of submission of the grant proposal.
Q. One of my colleagues is an ALA member. Will their membership satisfy the eligibility requirement for my library?
A. Yes, if an employee of your library has an ALA membership it will satisfy the eligibility requirement.
Q. My library has multiple branches interested in submitting a proposal, can branches apply individually or should we submit a single application?
A. Branches within the same library system may submit individual applications as long as their institution meets the eligibility requirements. However, please note that the applications will be competing against each other.
Timeline/Review Process
Q. How many grants will be awarded?
A. Two libraries will be selected to receive the grant.
Q. How will my library’s proposal be reviewed?
A. Proposals will be assessed and selected by the Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant committee. The committee consists of a chair and four ALA members appointed by the Public and Cultural Programs Advisory Committee (PCPAC).
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 March 13, 2024. All notification emails will come from administrator@grantinterface.com. We recommend adding that address to your contact list.
Award Information and Grant Requirements
Q. Are there any limitations to the types of programs that can be proposed?
A. For this grant cycle, proposals must be for a library-led community engagement project that focuses on community empowerment. Proposals that are community-driven and innovative will be prioritized.
Q. What will my library receive if selected for the Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant?
A. Two libraries will receive a $2,000 grant to advance their community engagement efforts.
Q. What will be required if my library is selected?
A. In addition to developing, implementing, and evaluating your project, the grantee will be required to submit a comprehensive final report to ALA with project accomplishments, impact, and use of funds; and to present the project either as a webinar or written program model for ProgrammingLibrarian.org, a website of ALA’s Public Programs Office.
Q. What qualifies as eligible expenses to use the grant funds on?
A. Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant funds are restricted to project related expenses. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Purchase of collection materials
- Tech equipment (e.g. virtual meeting licenses, iPads, Wi-Fi hotspots, etc.)
- Program supplies (e.g. markers, index cards, refreshments, etc.)
- Library staff time
- Payment to project partners for reimbursement or direct funding of services and support provided (e.g. childcare providers, translators, instructors, co-facilitator, etc.)
- Promotion and publicity
Q. Are there any ineligible expenses for the grant funds?
A. Yes. Grant funds may not be used to support indirect costs (e.g. general library administrative expenses) or as donations to other organizations.
Q. Can the programs/services my library develops for the grant be offered virtually or in a hybrid format? Where can I find tips and best practices for leading virtual or hybrid programming?
A. Yes! Proposed programs may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid. ALA’s Programming Librarian website has a range of articles and program ideas specific to virtual and hybrid programming that may be helpful as you plan your proposal. These articles include Marketing Virtual Humanities Programs, Leading a Virtual Film Discussion, Virtual Author Talks, Hybrid Programming Webinar Series, and more.
Additional Questions
Q. I have additional questions about my application. Who can I contact?
A. Call the ALA Public Programs Office with any application or grant-related questions: (312) 280-5045 or toll free at (800) 545-2433 x 5045. You can also send an e-mail to publicprograms@ala.org.
Accessibility
If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive technologies, please contact publicprograms@ala.org or call 312.280.5045. Please also include information about the nature of your accessibility barrier so we can best provide support.
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