EZ Grant Program

The LSTA EZ Grant program is administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, using federal funds provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act. This funding stream is designed to strengthen library services across North Carolina by supporting targeted, user-centered projects that address clearly defined community needs. The EZ Grant category specifically supports smaller, single-year initiatives that allow libraries to quickly implement new or improved services aligned with statewide strategic priorities. The purpose of the EZ Grant program is to enable eligible libraries to design and execute projects that respond directly to the needs of their current or potential users. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of a specific problem or service gap and propose a project that includes a defined need statement, measurable outcomes, and a structured implementation plan. All proposed projects must align with at least one goal outlined in North Carolina’s LSTA Five Year Plan, which emphasizes equity, access, and excellence in library services statewide. Funding for EZ Grants is limited to single-year projects, with applicants permitted to request a minimum of 5000 dollars and a maximum of 50000 dollars. Funds must be used for reasonable, necessary, and allowable costs directly tied to achieving the project’s stated objectives. While detailed allowable and unallowable expenditures are governed by program guidelines, applicants are expected to provide a clear budget justification explaining how each cost contributes to project success. Awards are contingent upon the availability of federal funds and are competitive in nature. Eligibility is restricted to specific categories of libraries within North Carolina. These include public library systems that qualify for the Aid to Public Libraries Fund, community college libraries, libraries affiliated with North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and libraries within the University of North Carolina system. Administratively separate libraries within academic institutions may also apply independently. Eligible entities may submit up to three applications per year across EZ and Project Grant categories, allowing flexibility in pursuing multiple initiatives. The application process requires submission through the State Library of North Carolina Grants Management System. Applicants must ensure that all required components, including signatures and narrative sections, are complete at the time of submission. State Library consultants are available to provide feedback on draft applications prior to submission, with a specified deadline for draft review requests. Only complete applications received by the stated deadline are considered for funding. Applications are evaluated using a structured rubric that assesses several factors, including the clarity of the identified need, the strength and feasibility of the project plan, the quality of the evaluation strategy, and the appropriateness of the budget. Reviewers also consider the potential for long-term community impact, prior grant performance, and broader equity considerations such as geographic distribution and community need. Projects that demonstrate strong user focus, measurable outcomes, and sustainable impact are more likely to be competitive. The program follows an annual cycle, with application guidelines released in September, and EZ Grant applications due on March 1. Applicants are notified of funding decisions in early June, with the grant period expected to begin on July 1. While no formal pre-application is required for EZ Grants, applicants are encouraged to engage with program consultants during the development process. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the State Library via email or to designated program staff, ensuring applicants have access to guidance throughout the process.

Ensure the project demonstrates a clearly defined community need supported by data and includes measurable outcomes with a strong evaluation plan aligned to LSTA goals