The CARES Act Mini-Grant application period has ended. Information provided for information purposes only.
The new CARES Act Mini-Grant Program helps all types of libraries in Ohio respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stimulus funding for this grant comes to the State Library via LSTA funds from the federal appropriation made to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) CARES Act.
LSTA CARES Act Grant funding (Public Law 116-136; 20 U.S.C.§9101 et seq.) is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the State Library of Ohio to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus. LSTA CARES Act Grant funds may also be used to expand digital network access, purchase internet accessible devices, and provide technical support services.
The State Library of Ohio’s CARES Act Mini-Grant Program provides $3,000 in grant funds for successful applicants. Allowable purchases for this grant program include, but are not limited to:
- Curbside service stanchions/signage
- Mobile devices/mobile tech
- Modular furniture to support physical distancing/cleaning
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE; for example, masks, facial shields, gowns, gloves, sanitizer, wipes, etc.)
- Plexiglass shields
- Portable projectors
- Programming related to COVID/COVID safety (not to exceed 25% of grant funds)
- Remote learning/videoconferencing platforms with a specific subscription end date, not to exceed the grant period
- Safety-minded electronic peripherals (washable keyboards/mice, webcams for teleworking/maintaining social distance)
- Signal boosters/antennae
- Storage bins for safe material handling
- Wireless routers and corresponding subscriptions with a specific subscription end date, not to exceed the grant period
If awarded, grant funds may only be used for purchases made within the grant term.
All successful awardees must adhere to the State Library of Ohio and IMLS publicity guidelines.
For additional information and instructions on how to apply for the CARES Act Mini-Grant Program, please view this brief video.
The video is also available to view at: https://youtu.be/x9vVRN2flnY
The CARES Act Mini-Grant application period has ended. Information provided for information purposes only.
What kind of reporting is required for this grant?
A survey will be distributed to each grantee; the survey will contain questions related to purchasing, target audiences, lessons learned, etc. This survey will be the only required “reporting” for the CARES Act Mini-Grant. Grantees can expect the survey to be distributed in 2021.
When is the deadline?
CARES Act Mini-Grant applications will be accepted through 11:59 pm, August 14, 2020. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis until the CARES ACT Mini-Grant funds are depleted.
What is the grant term?
Because applications are being reviewed and approved on a rolling basis, the starting date will vary from applicant to applicant. However, the end of the contract period for ALL contracts is June 30, 2021.
How many CARES Act Mini-Grants is my library eligible to receive?
Public libraries: One per library system
A public library system with multiple branches is eligible for one grant to share—not one grant per branch location in the system.
Academic libraries: One per campus
An academic library is eligible to share one grant with libraries on the same campus or branch location. A college or university library system may apply for one grant per campus or branch location.
K-12 libraries: One per school district
School libraries within a school district are eligible for one grant to share—not one grant per high school, middle school, and elementary school locations in the district.
Can I save the application once I start and return later to finish it?
Applications must be completed in ONE SITTING.
Can I request more or less than $3,000?
All CARES Act Mini-Grant awards will be in the amount of $3,000.
What documents do I need to have ready to submit when I begin the application?
A completed, signed Title Page must be uploaded as part of the application.
Must my institution be CIPA Compliant to receive a CARES Act Mini-Grant grant?
For additional information about CIPA, please see An Update on Filtering – Focusing on Use of IMLS Funds from the CARES Act (PDF).
If awarded, how will my library receive the grant funds?
In order to receive awarded grant funds, your library must be listed within Ohio Shared Services(OSS). If your institution has received LSTA grant funds in the past, an account already exists. Most K-12 school systems have an established OSS account. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONTACT OSS DIRECTLY (ohiosharedservices@ohio.gov or 1-877-644-6771) TO VERIFY YOUR LIBRARY’S INFORMATION.
Should you have additional questions, please contact the LSTA Office via LSTA@library.ohio.gov