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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.

ARPA Mini-Grants

The Office of Library and Information Services is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds (Public Law 117-2, Section 2023) to help libraries expand digital access, support learning, and strengthen library services in their communities to aid recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. OLIS’ Plan for the use of ARPA funds supports the goals of OLIS’ Five-Year Plan and priorities for the use of ARPA funds administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

LORI Libraries are invited to apply for ARPA-funded Competitive Mini-Grants to fund the purchase of supplies, equipment and services to respond to COVID impacts. These grants can be used to purchase print and electronic materials for local use, supplies for virtual, hybrid and outdoor programming, subscriptions for databases or virtual services supporting programming (contracts ending no later than September 30, 2022) and other supplies and equipment to be used to address COVID impacts. Funds from Mini-Grants can also be used to hire presenters for educational programs for the public focused on workforce development or learning. or training for library staff.

Eligibility

Libraries must be certified members of the Library of Rhode Island as of September 15, 2021. Public libraries must meet the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries in fiscal year 2022 (as of July 1, 2021). Academic, school, and other libraries that are certified members of Library of Rhode Island (LORI) as of September 15, 2021 are eligible to apply, as are library consortia serving eligible libraries. School libraries must complete the LORI certification process by September 15 and submit all certification documents no later than September 3. Other library-serving organizations should contact the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) to determine if they meet eligibility requirements.

Funds

Grant applications will be accepted for projects from $2,500 to $7,500. No matching funds are required.

Planning

Libraries and eligible organizations interested in applying for funding are strongly encouraged to consult with OLIS before applying for a grant. OLIS staff will be available to answer questions and assist libraries through the application process. Libraries may submit a draft of their application the OLIS Grants Team for feedback no later than September 10, 2021.

Process

The Mini-Grant application process will utilize an online application form, though you should draft your answers using the Mini-Grant Narrative Template to avoid losing work. Instructions for accessing and completing the application are located below.

The final date to submit an application is October 1, 2021 at 4 PM. Successful applicants will be notified no later than October 15, 2021. A Final Report will be required with a short narrative describing the benefit to staff and patrons.

Application & Other Documents

Important Dates

  • August 27, 2021: Application opens.
  • September 10, 2021: Last date to submit drafts to the OLIS Grants Team for feedback
  • October 1, 2021: Application deadline.
  • October 15, 2021: Successful applicants notified
  • TBD 2022: Interim report due at project midpoint
  • August 19, 2022: Final date to request funds/make expenditures.
  • September 16, 2022: Final date reports.

Grant Workshop

Contact

  • Contact the OLIS Grants Team for all questions, including to request a log-in to the application portal.