Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants (2024)

Background
The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program is designed to support the achievement of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) agency-level goals. These goals include championing lifelong learning, strengthening community engagement, and advancing collections stewardship and access. The program aims to facilitate the delivery of significant results consistent with its federal authorizing legislation, particularly focusing on services for Native American tribes.

Grant Details
The program aims to assist Native American tribes in improving core library services for their communities. This includes improving digital services to support needs for education, workforce development, economic and business development, health information, critical thinking skills, and digital literacy skills. It also seeks to improve educational programs related to specific topics and content areas of interest to library patrons and community-based users. Additionally, the program aims to enhance the preservation and revitalization of Native American cultures and languages. Projects may involve activities such as educational programming for all ages; oral history collection and documentation; digital media and technology enhancements; institutional planning and policy development; professional training, internships, and mentorships; supporting and engaging with cultural practitioners and scholars; research and development of language and cultural material and tools; digitization and digital asset management; and retrofitting of library spaces for staff and public.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an award under this grant opportunity, the organization must be a federally recognized Indian Tribe offering library services to the community. Eligible applicants may submit only one application under this announcement. Applications involving partnerships or collaborations are welcome.

Period of Performance
Projects must begin on September 1, 2024, with an anticipated period of performance from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026. Project activities may be carried out for up to two years.

Grant Value
$3,750,000 is expected to be awarded through this announcement with an anticipated number of awards being 29. The expected amount of individual awards ranges from $10,000 to $150,000 with an average amount of funding per award experienced in previous years being $129,300.