2026 Competitive Grant Guidelines

The NKCLS Executive Board is pleased to announce a competitive grant program for 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 our aging infrastructure and increase innovation across the region.    

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, shelving, carpet, windows, lighting, other flooring, electricity, plumbing, heating/AC, ADA compliance, etc.  This could also include renovation or addition of outdoor programming spaces, outdoor garden, 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. 
• Partnerships that enhance the library’s reach within the community   
  • • Examples include: Partnerships with health or social service related organizations, outreach related to local business or agriculture, new associations with groups that target at-risk individuals, youth groups, targeted efforts to work with local care providers or senior centers, local school partnerships.
• Technology projects
  • • Examples include: upgrades to hardware, software enhancements, camera system for building security, new technology trends.

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 and Number 

NCKLS plans to award 2-4 grants from $5,000 to $10,000 each 
Total amount available for 2026: $20,000 

Annual Timeline  

Release of grant specs – target September 15 
October 23  – grant applications due 
November – grants will be awarded and checks issued 
Project completion timeline – December – April of the following year 
Project reporting completed by May 15th  2027