Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2024)

Background
The Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants program is designed to assist Native Hawaiian libraries in improving core library services for their communities. The program reflects the Institute of Museum and Library Services' (IMLS) agency-level goals of championing lifelong learning, strengthening community engagement, and advancing collections stewardship and access.

Grant Details
The goals and objectives for this program are to improve digital services to support needs for education, workforce development, economic and business development, health information, critical thinking skills, and digital literacy skills; improve educational programs related to specific topics and content areas of interest to library patrons and community-based users; enhance the preservation and revitalization of Native Hawaiian culture and language. 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
- Refitting of library spaces for staff and public.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an award under this Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity, the organization must be a nonprofit that primarily serves and represents Native Hawaiians, as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 7517, and that offers library services to the community. Cost share is allowed but not required for the program. 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
$450,000 is the total amount of funding IMLS expects to award through this announcement. The anticipated number of awards is 3 with expected individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $150,000. The average amount of funding per award experienced in previous years is $150,000.