December 21, 2015

Notice of Funding Opportunities: Second Cycle of Funding for
FY 2016 National Leadership Grants for Libraries and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Preliminary two-page proposals addressing IMLS priorities will be accepted until
February 2, 2016 deadline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contact
Janelle Carter Brevard
202-653-4630
jbrevard@imls.gov

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announces the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for the second cycle of FY 2016 National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG) and the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21). The NLG program will invest in projects that address challenges faced by the library and archive fields and generate results such as new tools, research findings, or models that can be widely used. The LB21 program will support human capital capacity projects for libraries and archives.

IMLS is offering two opportunities to apply for the FY 2016 NLG and LB21 programs. The NOFOs announce the February 2, 2016 deadline for two-page preliminary proposals. From the preliminary proposals, IMLS will select applicants and invite them to submit full proposals in June. Applicants who were not invited to continue from the first cycle of funding are welcome to submit new preliminary proposals.

The 2016 NLG and LB21 programs respond to priorities of the National Digital Platform and Learning in Libraries, topics of two 2015 IMLS Focus convenings. Information from the nationally webcasted meetings is available to help inform project development at the following links:

https://www.imls.gov/news-events/events/imls-focus-2015-national-digital-platform
https://www.imls.gov/news-events/events/imls-focus-2015-learning-libraries

Each program’s NOFO provides additional information about the types of activities that can be funded under these project categories. 

Getting Your Questions Answered
IMLS staff members listed on the NLG and LB21 program pages are available by phone and email to discuss general issues relating to the programs. Informational webinars will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 3:00 PM EST and on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 2:00 PM EST. For more information about the webinars, please visit the IMLS Webinar webpage.  

IMLS is using the Blackboard Collaborate system (version 12.6). If you are a first-time Blackboard user, please click here to check your system compatibility and configure your settings. 

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Programs
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
National Leadership Grants for Libraries