Building Forward: Library Infrastructure Grant Program- Round 1
Can you apply?
This grant is for California public and academic libraries needing infrastructure improvements. Eligible organizations are library systems and facilities serving California communities. The program prioritizes life safety projects and facilities in high-poverty areas, but considers other infrastructure work if funding remains. All funded projects must comply with California Building Standards Code and complete work by March 31, 2026.
Leased facilities require a minimum 10-year lease commitment after project completion. Projects must address health/safety risks, critical maintenance needs, or essential building systems required for emergency response.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for California public and academic libraries needing infrastructure improvements. Eligible organizations are library systems and facilities serving California communities. The program prioritizes life safety projects and facilities in high-poverty areas, but considers other infrastructure work if funding remains. All funded projects must comply with California Building Standards Code and complete work by March 31, 2026.
Leased facilities require a minimum 10-year lease commitment after project completion. Projects must address health/safety risks, critical maintenance needs, or essential building systems required for emergency response.
Program description
Pursuant to SB 129, funding will be prioritized for the following: 1) Projects addressing library facility life safety and other critical maintenance needs. 2) Projects for library facilities serving high poverty areas of the state. Other library infrastructure projects may be considered if funding remains after priority projects have been evaluated. Multiple funding rounds are anticipated. All grant funds must be expended by March 31, 2026. For purposes of this grant, life safety projects are defined as those that address significant health and safety risks to patrons or staff using a library facility. This includes any physical aspect of the facility, its building systems, or equipment essential to emergency response situations specific to the library facility. For the purposes of this grant, critical maintenance and critical infrastructure projects are those needed to keep existing facilities, building-related structural elements, and related building systems suitable for public use, and compliant with all prevailing regulations, and standards governing their use. Projects funded by this grant must be completed according to California Building Standards Code and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and guides. If the library facility is leased, a lease commitment of at least 10 years following project completion is required.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for California public and academic libraries needing infrastructure improvements. Eligible organizations are library systems and facilities serving California communities. The program prioritizes life safety projects and facilities in high-poverty areas, but considers other infrastructure work if funding remains. All funded projects must comply with California Building Standards Code and complete work by March 31, 2026.
Leased facilities require a minimum 10-year lease commitment after project completion. Projects must address health/safety risks, critical maintenance needs, or essential building systems required for emergency response.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Program contact
- 📧 BuildingForward@library.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-323-9843
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 278 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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