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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.

2026 LORI Mini Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity

Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Mini-Grants provide opportunities for libraries, library consortia, or library-serving organizations to execute 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. Visit the 2026 LORI Project Grant page to learn more about opportunities for larger projects.

Eligibility

All public libraries that meet the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries in fiscal year 2026 (as of July 1, 2025) 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 eligibility 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. 

Eligible libraries may apply for more than one LORI Grant, including both Program Grants and Mini-Grants; application for one grant does not disqualify a library from applying for another

Funds

Grant applications will be accepted for projects from $2,500 to $7,500. 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 information workshop and a grant writing workshop will be provided live with the recordings made available; interested applicants are welcome to attend to ask questions about the program and projects. OLIS staff will also 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 2024 LORI Mini-Grant program will open in late November 2023 and will close on December 22, 2023. 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: February 2026 – March 23, 2026
  • Notification of award: End of March 2026
  • Project period begins: April 1, 2026
  • Final date to request drawdown of grant funds: August 31, 2026
  • Project conclusion: August 31, 2026
  • Deadline for final grant report: September 30, 2026

Contact Information