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About the LORI Grant Program

Institute of Museum and Library Services
Institute of Museums and Library Services

LORI Grants are offered by the Office of Library and Information Services as subgrants funded through its federal Institute of Museum and Library Services grant under the Grants to States Program supported by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. IMLS advances, supports, and empowers America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The IMLS vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook.

2023 LORI Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity

Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Grants provide opportunities for libraries, library consortia, or library serving organizations to execute forward-looking projects that support the advancement of library services in Rhode Island. Libraries or organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that expand access to library materials and services, expand learning opportunities or promote literacy, expand or advance the use of library services or the role of the library in the community, or create more inclusive or accessible library services to all members of the community. Partnerships with community-serving organizations are strongly encouraged.

Eligibility

All public libraries that meet the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries in fiscal year 2023 (as of July 1, 2022) are eligible to apply. Academic, school, and other libraries that are members of LORI are also eligible to apply, as are library consortia serving eligible libraries. Other library-serving organizations should contact the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) to determine if they meet eligiblity requirements.

To be eligible to receive an award, entities must complete the Annual Organization Registration through the state’s eCivis Grants Portal. Only the entity receiving payment needs to complete the Annual Organization Registration. 

Public libraries may apply for LORI Grants and LORI Summer Reading Program Mini-Grants; application for one grant does not disqualify a library for applying for the other.

Funds

Grant applications will be accepted for projects from $5,000 to $25,000. No matching funds are required.

Grant Planning

Libraries and eligible organizations interested in applying for funding are strongly encouraged to consult with OLIS before applying for a grant. A grant work session will be scheduled and announced; interested applicants are welcome to attend to ask questions about the program and projects. OLIS staff will be available to answer questions and assist libraries throughout the application process.

Libraries may schedule an appointment with Nicolette Baffoni, LSTA Coordinator & Library Development Manager to discuss project ideas and the grant application.

Process

Applications for the 2023 LORI Grant program will open in late March and will close in mid-May. Applications will be accepted through the state’s eCivis Grant Management Portal. All grant management, including requests for payment and reports, will be managed through the eCivis portal.

Application, Instructions & Other Documents

Important Dates

  • Application period: April 10, 2023 – May 1, 2023
  • Notification of award: May 12, 2023
  • Project period begins: contract execution but no later than May 31, 2023
  • Final date to request drawdown of grant funds: August 18, 2023
  • Grant conclusion: September 15, 2023
  • Deadline for final grant report: October 20, 2023

Informational Webinar

Contact Information