Sustainable California Libraries
The Sustainable California Libraries grant program funds climate and sustainability related community-driven programming for adults and intergenerational groups. The initiative also fosters connections between California library workers supporting climate resilience in communities. The purpose of these grants is to fund services, programming, and educational opportunities focused on sustainability and climate resilience.
Purpose
About 8 in 10 California adults say climate change is a top concern or one of several important concerns for them personally. As community hubs that provide trusted information about climate change and resilience, effectively connect with community-based organizations, and provide relevant programming for all ages, libraries are uniquely positioned to support climate resilience.
The purpose of the Sustainable California Libraries grants is to fund services, programming, and educational opportunities focused on sustainability and climate resilience. Projects should demonstrate an understanding of community needs, aspirations, and assets. Public programming, outreach, and at least one project partner or community connection is required.
Timeline
- Grant opportunity opens: January 10, 2024
- 2024-2025 LSTA Information Session: Recording Available
- Grant opportunity closes: March 6, 2024 at 12:00 noon
- Application review period: April 2024
- Application status and selection notification: May 2024
- Grant period begins: July 1, 2024
- Grant period ends: June 30, 2025
Awards will be made after federal IMLS funding levels are confirmed for 2024-2025 and the 2024-2025 California State budget has passed. Successful applicants can expect to receive project funds up to 8 to 10 weeks after the payment claim form is received by the State Library.
Project Details
California libraries can apply for grant funding to support:
- Staff time to co-design, coordinate, and implement climate education and sustainability programs and services.
- Supplies to support climate education and sustainability programs.
- Services from community organizations including workshops and presentations about climate and sustainability.
- Participation in professional development workshops to gain knowledge and skills around sustainability and climate education.
- Staff time and travel costs to attend the Sustainable California Libraries grant workshop mentioned below.
- Outreach and promotion of project programs and services.
- Evaluation of project activities and outcomes.
- Scholarships for community members participating in educational and workforce development activities as part of the project and in alignment with the primary purpose of the grant.
- Internships for time spent directly on project related activities
- Any additional allowable expenditures to help libraries and communities achieve project goals. Please note that if grant funds will be used to pay for a service from a community organization or organizations, those organization(s) cannot be considered as a partner in the application.
Applicants must refer to the application instructions for full details about allowable and unallowable expenses.
See the Sustainable California Libraries Resources page for programs, partnerships, and past projects.
Project staff funded through this opportunity make a commitment to participate in the following:
- Virtual Community of Practice sessions.
- In-person Sustainable California Libraries grant workshop at the 2024 California Library Association conference.
- Virtual 2025 Sustainability Summit.
The Sustainable California Libraries LSTA-funded projects meet Goal 4 of the California Library Services and Technology Act Investment Plan 2023–2027: Strengthen equitable resource-sharing and access to information, services, and opportunity with an emphasis on local community strengths and challenges.
Eligibility and Requirements
California libraries may apply for funding.
- Minimum funding request: $10,000
- Maximum funding request: $75,000
Applicants should have at least one community connection in place before submitting an application.
In order for projects to be funded through LSTA they must:
- Adhere to the general guidelines for LSTA eligibility.
- Follow the State Library’s current LSTA five-year plan.
- Adhere to the 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).
- Be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in order to purchase devices that can connect to and browse the internet. Information on CIPA requirements can be found in the application instructions.
- Participate in the Public Library Survey each year.
- Register for and complete the California Cultural Collections Protection Survey (must have completed within the last 3 years).
To Apply
Please be sure to review the Application Instructions thoroughly. Use the link included below to access the online application. A separate budget form and certification and signature form must be completed and submitted with the online application.
- Online Application
- Application Instructions (Word)
- Grant Award Budget Form (Excel)
- Certification and Signature Page (Word)
- CA Grants Portal Page
This grant application period is open from January 10, 2024 to March 6, 2024.
Support
If you would like additional support, you may also attend one of our scheduled Office Hours sessions. During Office Hours sessions, State Library staff will be available for application advice and consultation.
Questions
Email sustainability@library.ca.gov with questions.