Grants to States
Open Opportunities (1)
Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.
- State Library of Ohio Library Services and Technology Act Open Grants Deadline: Dec 31, 2026 · up to $5K
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Who has received this funding
Organizations awarded under CFDA 45.310 (USAspending.gov).
- California State Library 4 awards $56,255,032
- Library & Archives Commission 4 awards $49,732,264
- Florida Department Of State 2 awards $19,458,666
Program Objective
The Grants to States program supports efforts across the nation to provide access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages. Supported initiatives and services address individuals’ needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, economic and business development, health information, critical thinking skills, and digital, financial, and other types of literacies.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Department/Agency of U.S. State
- Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov
The 59 established State Library Administrative Agencies may apply for Grants to States funds. A State Library Administrative Agency is the official agency of a State charged by law with the extension and development of public library services throughout the State.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
IMLS approves State Plans that meet the requirements as set out in the guidelines available at imls.gov and provide satisfactory assurances and certifications that the provisions of the State Plan will be carried out. Once IMLS approves a State Plan, IMLS sends a letter to the applicant stating that the State Plan has been approved. States may then distribute the funds through competitive subawards or cooperative agreements with eligible entities.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 90 to 120 days
Once IMLS approves the Five-Year Plan, a State can receive annual allotments for the five-year period covered by the Plan. Awards are made annually with a two-year period of performance. At any given time, a State will have two partially overlapping active grants, but each must be tracked and reported separately.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Grants to States program supports library initiatives and services to meet the needs of children, parents, teenagers, adult learners, senior citizens, the unemployed, the business community, and members of the current and future library workforce. Funds are distributed according to a population-based formula and may be used to provide access to electronic databases, computer instruction, homework centers, summer reading programs, digitization of special collections, access to e-books and adaptive technology, bookmobile service, development of outreach programs, and related efforts. Priorities are established by each State Library Administrative Agency and are detailed in state-specific Five-Year Plans (see https://www.imls.gov/grants/grants-state/five-year-plans).
Mission Categories
Primary: Promotion of the Humanities
Other categories:
Promotion of the Arts
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Grants may be used for: (1) expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages in order to support such individuals’ needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, and digital literacy skills; (2) establishing or enhancing electronic and other linkages and improved coordination among and between libraries and entities, for the purpose of improving the quality of and access to library and information services; (3) (A) providing training and professional development, including continuing education, to enhance the skills of the current library workforce and leadership, and advance the delivery of library and information services and; (B) enhancing efforts to recruit future professionals to the field of library and information services; (4) developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations; (5) targeting library services to individuals of differing geographic, cultural, and economic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; (6) targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with low incomes; (7) developing library services that provide all users access to information through local, State, regional, national, and international collaborations and networks; and (8) carrying out other activities consistent with the purposes set forth in Section 9121 of the Museum and Library Services Act, as described in the State Library Administrative Agency’s plan.
Matching Requirements
Statutory Formula: Matching Requirements: The amount a State receives under this program consists of a minimum allotment set by Congress (20 USC 9131 (b)) plus an additional amount based on the most current published population estimates available the first day of the federal fiscal year from the Bureau of the Census. The federal share is 66 percent and the state matching requirement is 34 percent.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
2 CFR Part 200. 20 USC Chapter 72 Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, § 9101-9176; in particular § 9121 (Purpose), § 9141 (Grants to States). More information is available online at https://www.imls.gov/grants/grant-programs/grants-states or upon request from IMLS, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Suite N-3627, Washington, DC 20210. See the IMLS website at www.imls.gov for the most current program information.