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24-25 LSTA Inspiration Grants

The Inspiration Grants opportunity provides Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding for California libraries that are inspired to implement projects outside of the State Library’s other funding opportunities. Inspiration Grants provide funding for projects that may not fit within the bounds of the other grants offered by the State Library and/or for ideas that are generated outside of other funding opportunity application timeframes.

Are you inspired to submit a grant application to the State Library?

We invite you to submit an application through our online submission portal if you have a project you’ve been waiting to implement that:

• addresses community needs and aligns with community aspirations;
• features new ideas or methods, experimentation, or a creative approach to library programming;
• is fully developed and ready to implement; and
• can be completed by June 30, 2025.

Proposed projects must support Goal 1 of the California Library Services and Technology Act Investment Plan 2023-2027. The Application Instructions and Guidelines include full information about how to apply, including the rubric reviewers will use. Selection decisions will be made by the California State Librarian.

For more information on the 24-25 Grants Opportunity, including an orientation on our new Grants Management system, Amplifund, use the code tt7095X% to access the Information Session Recording.

Timeline

• The opportunity opens on July 10, 2024 and will close on August 21, 2024 at 12:00 noon.
• The project period is from October 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Minimum funding request $20,000
• Maximum funding request $100,000
• Applicants should have at least one community connection in place before submitting an application. Applicants requesting $75,000 or more should have at least one project partner, in addition to a community connection, before submitting an application.
• The Inspiration Grants opportunity is open to California libraries. Libraries with up to 14 outlets may apply for one grant; libraries with between 15 and 30 outlets may apply for two grants; libraries with 31 or more outlets may apply for three grants.

In order for projects to be funded through LSTA, libraries must:

• Adhere to the general guidelines for LSTA eligibility
• Follow the State Library’s current LSTA five year plan
• Adhere to federal restrictions on funding which are included in the application instructions and grant guidelines
• Use funding according to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2CFS 200)
• Participate in the Public Library Survey each year

Requirements

All awardees will be required to:

• Fulfill all project reporting responsibilities.
• Work with assigned Library Programs Coordinator and Grant Monitor throughout the project period to receive programming support and ensure the project and all activities are compliant with funding rules and regulations.

To Apply

Please be sure to review the Application Instructions thoroughly. A separate budget form must be completed and submitted with the online application.

• Application Instructions and Guidelines
• 2024-2025 LSTA Inspiration Grants Application
• Grant Award Budget Form (Excel)
• CA Grants Portal Page

This grant application period is open from July 10, 2024, to August 21, 2024.

For further information, please contact:

LSTA Grants
California State Library
Email us about the Inspiration Grant