Competitive Grant
Forecasted
Competitive Grant supports Ohio libraries in developing community anchor, literacy, and outreach programs that respond to local needs, expand community reach, and strengthen engagement.
Funder: State Library of Ohio
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 in federal funds; 25% local cash match of total project cost
Summary: Supports Ohio libraries developing community anchor, literacy, and outreach services that address community needs.
Key Information: Proposals must address at least one of the program’s three focus areas and support Ohio’s LSTA Five-Year Plan.
Description
The State Library of Ohio’s Competitive Grant supports innovative library programs and services that respond to local community needs. Funded through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), the initiative advances Ohio’s LSTA Five-Year Plan 2023–2027 and invites proposals in three focus areas: Library as Community Anchor, Literacy, and Outreach and Engagement.
Community anchor projects strengthen libraries as destinations for learning, expression, workforce development, gathering, and physical and mental health support. Literacy projects develop people’s ability to read, write, and interact across platforms and tools, including early, digital, functional, adult, financial, health, and nutrition literacy. Outreach and engagement projects explore new service methods and locations, typically beyond the library building, to reach current and potential users, serve otherwise unreached populations, or establish partnerships that expand community reach.
