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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 Summer Reading Program Mini-Grants

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Summer Reading Program Mini-Grants are non-competitive grants available to all public libraries to support reading and learning programs this summer. The program will reimburse pre-approved expenditures for programming at libraries this summer which fall into OLIS' priorities for summer programming.

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 request grant funds. Libraries submitting a request form must offer a 2023 Summer Reading Program for youth and/or adults. A Summer Reading Program (SRP) is an extended reading/learning challenge or tracking opportunity that encourages youth and adults to reach reading/learning goals during the summer months.

Funds

Public libraries may request up to $600 for youth activities and up to $300 for adult activities. Library systems may request $300 per additional location for youth activities.

Process

The grant program is non-competitive. It is not necessary to have spent or encumbered funds to qualify for this grant, however no funds will be released for approved applications until proof of expenditure has been submitted.

Public libraries will manage their grant through the State of RI’s eCivis Grant Management System. Public libraries will apply through the eCivis portal for reimbursement of eligible expenditures. Approved expenditures will be reimbursed on a rolling basis through September 2023 following submittal of proof of expenditure and acceptance of those expenditures by OLIS. A final report will be required with a short narrative describing the benefit to summer reading participants. Grantees will submit all financial and activity reports through the eCivis portal, including proof of expenditure documentation.

Acceptable documents to support proof of expenditure include original digital receipts for items purchased online and/or billed electronically or pdf scans of original documents for transactions conducted physically. Where they exist, paper records must be maintained and provided to OLIS upon request for audit purposes.

Coming Soon: Managing Your Award Instructions & FAQ

Allowable Expenditures

Approved expenditures made from the execution of the grant agreement through July 14, 2023 (for supplies and services) or August 11, 2023 (for hosting educational presenters) are eligible for reimbursement. The list of allowable expenditures included in the FAQ document is not exhaustive, but this program is limited to providing supplies, services, and educational presenters to support reading and learning activities. Please contact OLIS if you have questions about allowable expenditures.

Non-Allowable Expenditures

  • Supplies and services reimbursed under other state or federal programs
  • Summer Reading Program incentives
  • Performers providing entertainment
  • Food or drink
  • Other expenses that do not align with the goals of OLIS’ Five-Year Plan

Important Dates and Request for Payment

  • February 21, 2023: Request form available.
  • March 20, 2023: Request form deadline. Applications with errors or requests for non-allowable expenditures will be returned for revision.
  • March 27, 2023: Deadline for revising and resubmitting returned interest forms.
  • April 3, 2023: Deadline for returning signed agreements.
  • July 14, 2023: Deadline for receiving approved supplies and services.
  • August 11, 2023: Deadline for hosting presenters.
  • August 25, 2023: Deadline for submitting financial report.
  • September 22, 2023: Deadline for submitting activity report.
  • October 27, 2023: Deadline for submitting financial report closeout.

Requests for reimbursement will be accepted on a rolling basis within two windows. You must select your window when you apply and cannot change your selection.

  • May 1 - May 26: Submit requests for payment if all money will be spent before May 30, 2023.
  • July 1 - August 25: Submit request for payment if any money will be spent after May 30, 2023.

Request Form, Instructions & FAQ, and Contact Information

Request Form

Request Instructions & FAQ

Managing Your Award Instructions & FAQ

Questions about this program should be directed to:

Informational Webinar

An informational webinar was held February 28, 2022. Slides are available here.

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