FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMLS Press Contact
Giuliana Bullard
202-653-4799
gbullard@imls.gov
IMLS Announces Grant Opportunities for Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services Programs
Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced its latest commitment to support libraries and archives that serve Native Americans, Alaskans, and Hawaiians through three grant opportunities. Applications are due by April 1, 2016.
Native Hawaiian Library Services grants of up to $150,000 for two years are available to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians and are designed to enhance existing library services or implement new ones. Application materials can be found here.
Native American Library Services (NALS) Basic Grants are small one year grants of $6,000 (or $7,000 if the education/assessment option is included) and are designed to support the basic operations of tribal and Native village libraries. Basic Grants may be used to buy library materials, fund salaries and training, and provide Internet connectivity and computers. This non-competitive program is available to all federally recognized Native American tribes and Native Alaskan villages. Application materials for these grants can be found here.
Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants are competitive grants of up to $150,000 for two years and are available to any library that has an active NALS Basic grant. Projects covered under these grants may enhance existing library services or implement new library services. Application materials and descriptions of previously funded projects are available on the IMLS website.
“Libraries and archives that serve Native Americans, Alaskans, and Hawaiians provide vital connectivity, learning opportunities, public programs, and information resources for Native communities,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “By enhancing services and programming, these important grant programs go a long way toward strengthening libraries as important community anchors.”
In addition to these grant programs, IMLS supports Native communities with occasional awards through its National Leadership Grants for Libraries and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian programs. IMLS provides support for Federal partner agencies for events such as the Digital Inclusion Summit and the Native Languages Summit held before the 2015 International Conference of Indigenous Archives, Libraries, and Museums. IMLS also supports projects such as Washington State University’s Mukurtu open source cultural heritage platform.
To learn more about applying for the Native American or Native Hawaiian grant programs, participate in one of our webinars. Questions about Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants will be covered during the Enhancement Grant webinars:
- Native American Enhancement Grant New Applicant Webinar
February 3, 2016, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST - Native American Enhancement Grant New Applicant Webinar
February 16, 2016, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST - Native American Basic Grant New Applicant Webinar
February 25, 2016, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST
IMLS is using the Blackboard Collaborate system (version 12.6). If you are a first-time user of Blackboard, click here to check your system compatibility and configure your settings. More information about joining the webinar is available on the IMLS Events and Webinars webpage.
For more information about Native American or Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant programs, please contact:
Mary Alice Ball, Senior Library Program Officer
202-653-4730
Madison Bolls, Program Specialist
202-653-4786
E-mail: NALSHelp@imls.gov
For information on any other notices of funding opportunities for libraries, please visit grants.gov.
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.