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2026 Grants Summary
Collections Grant
- Amount– based on library service levels listed in the Kansas Public Library Standards for your service population reported in the 2024 Kansas Public Library Survey.
- Purpose – to improve local collections and extend resource sharing in the region with physical and digital circulating materials
- Schedule – funds are available on account and available to spend beginning January 2, 2026, contingent on receipt of the annual agreement. Funds must be spent out or encumbered by December 4, 2026.
- Reporting requirements– report total number of items purchased with grant funds on the NCKLS annual report.
Continuing Education Grant
- Amount –a maximum of $650 will be allowed per library.
- Registration to attend a conference, workshop or webinar.
- Expenses can include: lodging, food, mileage, transportation
- Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate for travel to training within NCKLS region. https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates
- Purpose – to help libraries meet Kansas Public Library Guidelines for the development and training of library staff and board members.
- Schedule – libraries may apply anytime during the year up until November 15. Applications will be reviewed and awarded in 30 days.
- Application process – complete a continuing education grant application here: https://lib.nckls.org/continuing-education-grant/ NCKLS staff will review and approve or consult with the library if not approved.
- Reporting requirements – report how the library used the funds on the CE Report.
Courier Subsidy
- Amount – NCKLS will match 80-82% of the total annual courier fees for libraries participating in the Kansas Library Express in 2026. Support level is determined by service level.
- Purpose – to facilitate interlibrary loan and resource sharing in the region and across the state
- Schedule – NCKLS directly pays a share of the courier fees to the service provider. The service provider will bill the library for the remaining amount in January or when participation begins
- Application process – as outlined in the annual agreement. In addition, the library signs an annual agreement with the service provider in January or when participation begins.
- Reporting requirements – report and agree to all terms as instructed on the KLE website and submit monthly statistics at https://kslibexpress.mykansaslibrary.org/.
- Libraries with unreported statistics will not receive grant.
Digital Resources Subsidy
- Amount-the amount of the grant equals the fee based on the size of library to join the Sunflower eLibrary. Fees submitted directly to Overdrive.
- Purpose-Ensure all taxing libraries have access to lend popular digital materials and to increase adoption of digital materials in all areas of the region
- Schedule-renew annually in December
- Reporting requirements-report annual usage on SLK annual public library survey
Postage Grant
- Amount– NCKLS will reimburse libraries that are not on the courier for loaning a minimum number of 10 items annually.
- Reimbursement rate will be the USPS media mail rate up to 2 pounds per item up to a total of $500.
- Annual number of loans is self-reported by the library on the State Library of Kansas’ annual report.
- Purpose – to facilitate interlibrary loan and resource sharing from libraries that do not participate in the courier service.
- Schedule – Checks will be mailed to the library when data is released from the State Library of Kansas.
- Reporting requirements – report the number of items that were loaned to other libraries on the SLK’s annual public library survey.
Programming Grant
- Amount – $300 per year
- Purpose – To help libraries provide engaging and enriching programs to their communities
- Schedule – libraries may apply anytime during the year up until November 15th. Applications will be reviewed and awarded in 30 days.
- Application process – as outlined in the annual agreement. In addition, complete a program grant application here: https://lib.nckls.org/programming-grant/ NCKLS staff will review and approve or consult with the library if not approved.
- Reporting requirements – report how the library used the funds on the NCKLS annual report.
Service Improvement Grant
- Amount – a combination of a base amount and per capita formula approved by the System board using the population reported in the 2024 Kansas Public Library Survey.
- Purpose – to help libraries meet Kansas Public Library Guidelines that are identified locally and to level funding for the wide population differences in the service level ranges as defined by the Kansas Public Library Guidelines. The library may use their discretion when it comes to spending these funds.
- Schedule – Checks will be mailed to the library by mid-April, contingent on receipt of the annual agreement and meeting all eligibility requirements.
- Reporting requirements – report how the library used the funds on the NCKLS annual report. Estimates for work and/or receipts for purchases are not required.
Technology Grant
- Amount – up to $1,000 per application with a limit of one application per library per year.
- Purpose – to help libraries meet Kansas Public Library Guidelines for technology.
- Schedule – libraries may apply anytime during the year up until November 15th. Applications will be reviewed, and awards made within 30 days.
- Application process – as outlined in the annual agreement. In addition, complete a technology grant application here: https://lib.nckls.org/technology-grant/ NCKLS staff will review and approve or consult with the library if not approved.
- Reporting requirements – report how the library used the funds on the NCKLS annual report. Receipts for purchases are not required.
Updated: December 2, 2025