2024 Competitive Grant Guidelines
The NCKLS Executive Board is pleased to announce a competitive grant program for libraries non-contracting libraries. Applicants will be scored by a subcommittee including NCKLS staff and member library representatives that will not be applying (if available) using the attached rubric. Libraries should customize their applications based on the criteria listed in the rubric and be prepared to put their best effort into their applications since they will be competing with other non-contracting libraries. The purpose of this grant fund is to fully distribute budgeted grant dollars to qualifying NCKLS libraries, to enhance library services, tackle issues with aging infrastructure and increase innovation across the region. Â
Identified Areas of Need
- Facilities maintenance, renovation and construction projects that significantly improve the library’s interior or exterior
- Projects to alter the interior of the library – or a section of the library to refresh and enhance the space for the public including paint, landscaping that relates to programming or new services (like a children’s garden), shelving, carpet, windows, lighting, other flooring, plumbing, heating/AC, ADA compliance, etc. This could also include renovation or addition of outdoor programming spaces, adding dedicated spaces for children/youth, a mural project to attract visitors to the library and community, etc.
- Furniture and fixtures that make the library more flexible, digital-friendly and welcoming space
- Examples include: Replacing older tables with flexible pieces that move with patrons, enhancements that allow access to the WIFI including tables/chairs with electrical outlets or charging stations, group workstations that allow small group work with a tabletop whiteboard or a tablet.
Objectives
- Exhaust all budgeted grant funds to libraries in designated areas of need annually.
- Ensure libraries have access to some funding beyond smaller grants that have a maximum of $1,000.
- Increase the ability of our libraries to make infrastructure enhancements, be innovative and add new services.
Grant Amounts
Annually, we will base our funding range and topics on feedback from the libraries that we gather in our annual survey. Â
Annual Timeline
The Competitive Grant Application period opens
The Competitive Grant application will be due
Grants will be awarded and checks issued
October- April of the following year the project must be completed
The project reporting but be completed by May 15
2024 Competitive Grant Application Questions
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- Summarize your project.
Refer to the 2024 guidelines for identified areas of need and grant focus.
- Summarize your project.
- Is there an aspect of innovation in your facilities improvement?Â
- Will facility improvement bring a needed service or other new feature?Â
- How does the furniture impact your library services?
- What will change in library impact by changing the current fixtures?
- What are the needed improvements?
- Will this project be something that continues into the future?
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- Provide a project timeline and budget within a maximum six-month timeline.
- Tell us about any resources you have lined up.
- Any planning you’ve done
- Community connections you’ve made to complete the project on time and on budget.
- Include contractor estimates, itemized supply costs, any bids received and pricing for items requested.
- What are the outcomes for this project?
- What change do you believe will occur in your library/community if NCKLS grants your library these funds?
- How many will be impacted by this funding?
- What will change in your community due to this funding?
- Will this funding increase service levels? Programming opportunities? Library Use?
- How will you determine if this project is a success?
- Explain how this project will impact library services in your community. Tell us how this funding will make a difference. Refer to the scoring rubric
- Provide a project timeline and budget within a maximum six-month timeline.