IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard gbullard@imls.gov

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting applications for Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries. The application deadline is February 3, 2014.

Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries are small grants that encourage libraries and archives to prototype and evaluate innovations that result in new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. They enable grantees to undertake activities that involve risk and require them to share project results–whether they succeed or fail–to provide valuable information to the library field and help improve the ways libraries serve their communities.

The funding range is from $10,000 to $25,000, and there are no matching requirements. Projects must begin on October 1, November 1, or December 1, 2014. Click here for program guidelines and more information about the funding opportunity.

Supporting IMLS Initiatives
We invite libraries to address STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in their programs and projects to advance STEM learning and knowledge at all ages, but particularly for at-risk youth. Click here to learn more about IMLS’s role in STEM initiatives.

Getting Your Questions Answered
IMLS staff members are available by phone and email to discuss general issues relating to the Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries program. We also invite you to participate in a webinar to learn more about the program, ask questions, and listen to the questions and comments of other participants.

The live webinars for the FY14 Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries program will be December 11, 2013 and January 7, 2014, both at 3:30 ET. 

IMLS is using the Blackboard Collaborate system (version 12.5). If you are a first-time user of Blackboard, click here to check your system compatibility and configure your settings.

See grant program guidelines for additional webinar details.

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 17,500 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.