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About the LORI Grant Program

Institute of Museum and Library Services
Institute of Museums and Library Services

LORI Grants are offered by the Office of Library and Information Services as subgrants funded through its federal Institute of Museum and Library Services grant under the Grants to States Program supported by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. IMLS advances, supports, and empowers America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The IMLS vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook.

ARPA Project Grants

The Office of Library and Information Services is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds (Public Law 117-2, Section 2023) to help libraries expand digital access, support learning, and strengthen library services in their communities to aid recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. OLIS’ Plan for the use of ARPA funds supports the goals of OLIS’ Five-Year Plan and priorities for the use of ARPA funds administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Libraries are invited to apply for ARPA-funded Project Grants to fund forward-looking projects that expand digital access, support learning, and strengthen library services in their communities to aid recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Libraries or organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that prioritize partnerships (among libraries and/or) with non-library organizations, provide resources for job seekers and support workforce development, or expand digital access or learning programs for underserved populations.

Eligibility

Libraries must be certified members of the Library of Rhode Island as of September 15, 2021. Public libraries must meet the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries in fiscal year 2022 (as of July 1, 2021). Academic, school, and other libraries that are certified members of the Library of Rhode Island (LORI) as of September 15, 2021 are eligible to apply, as are library consortia serving eligible libraries. Other library-serving organizations should contact the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) to determine if they meet eligibility requirements.

Funds

Grant applications will be accepted for projects from $10,000 to $50,000. No matching funds are required.

Grant Planning

Libraries and eligible organizations interested in applying for funding are strongly encouraged to consult with OLIS before applying for a grant. A grant work session will be held on August 26, 2021. Interested applicants are welcome to attend to ask questions about the program and projects. OLIS staff will be available to answer questions and assist libraries through the application process. Libraries may also submit an abstract or early draft of their proposal to OLIS for feedback; any preliminary proposals must be submitted no later than September 10, 2021.

Process

Application instructions and required documents can be found below. All documents must be completed in the format provided and submitted in that format electronically. No paper submissions or scanned printouts of forms will be accepted.

Interested applicants must submit their application by October 1 at 4 pm. Successful applicants will be notified no later than October 15, 2021.

Allowable Expenditures

Grant funds may be used to purchase supplies, equipment and software, services, consultant services, and other associated project expenditures, including indirect costs. Equipment costing over $5,000 for a single item must receive prior approval from OLIS.

Non-Allowable Expenditures

  • Capital expenditures (costs associated with construction or facilities maintenance or modification).
  • Installation costs for any equipment.
  • Subscription costs that extend beyond the grant period.
  • Prices or incentives.
  • Food.
  • Unreimbursed expenditures for devices purchased through the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The ECF caps reimbursement on items such as laptops and hotspots; OLIS ARPA funds cannot be used for any balance remaining on such devices.

Important Dates

  • August 24, 2021: Application opens
  • October 1, 2021: Application closes at 4 pm
  • October 15: Grant awards announced
  • Grant mid-point: Interim report due
  • One month prior to project end date: Latest date to expend or encumber grant funds.
  • August 19, 2022: Latest date to end project.
  • September 16, 2022: Final date to submit reports.

Application & Other Documents

Grant Workshop

  • Tuesday, August 24, 11:00 am -12:00 pm

Sessions will be recorded, but in-person attendance is strongly encouraged.

Contact Information