Equalization Aid Grant
Equalization Aid Grant supports Illinois public libraries with limited local tax resources, funding library services and improvements to help sustain service and advance statewide library standards.
Funder: Illinois State Library
Due Dates: January 30, 2027 (Application and expenditure reports) | September 1, 2027 (District IPLAR) | Within 60 days after fiscal year-end (Municipal IPLAR)
Funding Amounts: Annual supplemental award calculated toward $17.50 per capita, subject to appropriations and statutory rules
Summary: Supports Illinois public libraries with a low local tax base to sustain services and improve performance against Illinois library standards.
Key Information: Complete the Equalization Aid planned-use section only if the library has been informed it is eligible.
Description
The Illinois State Library’s Equalization Aid Grant provides additional support to Illinois public libraries whose local library tax base cannot produce a minimum level of funding for library services. It is a supplemental award in addition to a library’s Public Library Per Capita allotment. The two programs are distinct but share an application and administrative requirements.
Funding supports public library services and progress toward Serving Our Public 4.0: Standards for Illinois Public Libraries (Illinois Library Association, 2019). Libraries identify objectives, priorities, and time frames for improving performance where standards are not met, consistent with their library system’s plan of service. Expenditure reporting connects the use of funds to the specific standards under which support was provided.
