Stronger Together FAQ

Number of applications

The number of applications a library jurisdiction may submit depends on its total number of outlets:

  • Fewer than 30 outlets: one application
  • 30-60 outlets: up to two applications
  • More than 60 outlets: up to three applications

Match requirements

We are requiring a match for these grants, which may be cash or in-kind, or a combination of both. The match will be based on your library’s Local Income Per Capita (LIPC) level, which is derived from public library survey data. For libraries in LIPC Level 1, a 20% match will be required. For LIPC Level 2, a 25% match will be required. For LIPC Level 3, a 30% match will be required. The match is a percentage of funds requested, not a percentage of the total budget. For example, the 20% match on a $100,000 funding request would be $20,000. We will consider reductions in match on a limited, case-by-case basis.

To find your library’s LIPC, please check the State Library’s Statistics webpage.

Payment Schedule

A typical payment schedule is as follows:

  • 45% upon execution of the agreement and the State Library’s receipt of the awardee’s claim form;
  • 45% upon receipt of the first six-month financial report;
  • 10% upon receipt and approval of the final quarterly status update.

It can take up to ten weeks for a grantee to receive funds from the State Library after the signed claim form and/or reports are received by the Fiscal Office.

Allowable/Unallowable costs

Allowable costs include:

  • Minor improvements specific to the project space, such as carpeting in one area, furniture, shelving, lighting, etc., or a privacy space build, are allowable. No major construction costs are allowed.
  • Staffing costs can be included, but all staffing must be project specific.
  • Programming costs are allowed, such as materials, supplies, take-home kits, minor equipment, and food when used to enhance full participation in the program.
  • Collection and resources are allowed.
  • Travel (in-state except by approval) is allowed.
  • Project promotion costs are allowed. The California State Library should be acknowledged in your promotional materials.

Unallowable costs include but are not limited to (please ask if you have questions):

  • Fundraising activities, including grant writing
  • Cash reserves and endowment holdings; purchase of land, buildings or major construction
  • Non-educational social activities such as receptions, parties, galas
  • Gifts/prizes/incentives/stipends; cash prizes or gift certificates with monetary value
  • Contributions and donations to other entities
  • Expenses incurred before the start of the grant period or after the ending date of the grant period without extension request and approval
  • Lobbying activities that are intended to influence the actions, policies, or decisions of government officials

Partnerships

Each funded project must have at least one partner. A partner is defined as an organization with which your library has a written agreement and which also provides resources to the project, either cash or in-kind, or both.

Reporting Requirements

Grantees will be required to submit narrative and financial reports every six months. The final report will cover nine months of project activity (July 2023 to March 2024). The reporting schedule is as follows:

  • August 1, 2022 (Reporting Period: Project Start Date to June 30 2022)
  • January 31, 2023 (Reporting period: July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022)
  • July 31, 2023 (Reporting period: January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023)
  • January 31, 2024 (Reporting Period: July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2022)
  • April 15, 2024 (Reporting Period: January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024)

Acknowledgements

Grant recipients must ensure that the California State Library shall receive credit as the funding program and that the State of California likewise is acknowledged as the source of funds.

All promotional materials and publications related to the project must include the following acknowledgement statement:

“This project was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.”