Strong Libraries Mini Grant

The Strong Libraries Mini Grant is administered by the State Library of Oregon as part of its Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding programs. The State Library functions as a statewide agency dedicated to supporting and strengthening library services across Oregon. Through this mini grant initiative, the agency provides targeted, small-scale funding opportunities intended to enhance the capacity of libraries to meet community needs. The program is designed to be accessible and flexible, encouraging a wide range of institutions to pursue projects that align with strategic service priorities. The primary purpose of the Strong Libraries Mini Grant is to enable libraries to better serve their communities by addressing one or more defined focal areas: collections, community engagement, economic development, staff development, and technology. These focus areas reflect the State Library’s emphasis on ensuring that libraries remain relevant, inclusive, and responsive to evolving community demands. Projects may include expanding collections to reflect community interests, conducting outreach to underserved populations, supporting workforce development initiatives, enhancing staff skills, or improving access to digital tools and training. Funding under this program is limited to a maximum of 3000 dollars per organization for a single project. Applicants must ensure that all proposed expenditures comply with federal allowable cost guidelines, including provisions outlined in 2 CFR 200.414 regarding indirect costs. Additionally, compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act is required for projects involving internet-enabled devices or connectivity. While the grant does not require a cost share or matching funds, recipients must adhere strictly to federal regulations governing the use of LSTA funds. Eligibility for the grant is limited to organizations within the state of Oregon. Eligible applicants include public libraries and library systems, academic libraries at nonprofit colleges and universities that provide public access, federally recognized tribal entities, special libraries operated by government or nonprofit organizations, and K-12 school systems with established library facilities and paid staff. School-based applicants must submit at the district level unless otherwise specified, and all applicants must possess a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov and certify compliance with federal requirements. The application process is conducted through the State Library’s Grants and Statistics Portal. Applicants must log in or request access credentials, complete the application form, and submit it before the stated deadline. The application requires a clear articulation of project need, proposed activities, and expected outcomes. Submissions are first reviewed for technical compliance and eligibility, after which qualifying applications are evaluated by a committee consisting of LSTA Advisory Council members and State Library staff. Evaluation criteria include the strength of the project rationale, feasibility within the grant period, benefit to underserved communities, and alignment between budget and proposed activities. The grant follows a structured timeline, with applications opening on November 10 and closing on December 8. Award notifications are issued in mid-January, and funded projects may begin as early as February 1. Projects must be completed by July 31, with a midterm report due at the end of May and a final report required by August 31. Recipients are also required to sign a grant agreement, acknowledge funding sources in public materials, maintain records for ten years, and seek approval for any project or budget modifications. Although the application period for the current cycle has closed, the structured annual timeline and recurring nature of LSTA funding suggest that similar opportunities may be offered in future cycles. The program emphasizes equitable distribution of funds across different types of libraries and geographic regions, with consideration given to prior funding history. This ensures broad participation and supports the State Library’s mission of strengthening library services throughout Oregon.

Emphasize clear community need alignment demonstrate feasibility within timeline highlight benefits to underserved populations and ensure budget justification aligns with activities