Competitive Grant
Competitive Grant supports Ohio libraries’ community anchor, literacy, and outreach projects that respond to local needs, expand services, and strengthen community learning and engagement.
Funder: State Library of Ohio
Due Dates: October 5, 2025 (FAQ draft deadline) | October 4, 2026 (RFP draft deadline) | October 18, 2026 (Full application, 11:59 p.m.)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 in federal funds; January 1–August 31, 2027; 25% local cash match required
Summary: Supports Ohio libraries’ community anchor, literacy, and outreach projects that address local needs and expand library services.
Key Information: Project coordinators must hold an MLS/MLIS or Library Media Specialist Certification; other certifications require LSTA Office consultation.
Description
The State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Competitive Grant supports innovative library programs and services responding to community needs. Projects must address at least one focus area—Library as Community Anchor, Literacy, or Outreach and Engagement—and advance Ohio’s LSTA Five Year Plan 2023–2027. The plan’s goals are Learning: Educating Ohioans for Success, Building Community Capacity and Engagement, and Strengthening Libraries.
Community anchor projects can support employment assistance, workforce and economic development, gathering spaces, expression, and staff or patron physical and mental well-being. Literacy projects develop reading, writing, and interaction across platforms, including early, digital, functional, adult, financial, health, and nutrition literacy. Outreach projects develop new service methods and locations, typically beyond library facilities, reaching underserved populations or establishing partnerships that extend the library’s community reach.
