CARES Act Grant

Application window for this grant is now closed

Beginning September 1, 2020, the State Library of Oregon is offering non-competitive subgrants to 55 public, tribal, and community college libraries in Oregon, based on priorities identified by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Funds may be applied retroactively to allowable costs made since April 21, 2020, and are to be used for the purposes outlined below by March 31, 2021.

To apply

All applicants must apply through the State Library of Oregon’s online grants portal. Once you log in, you will need to enter the code we've provided via email to access the online application form. A preview of the application form can be viewed here.

All public libraries in Oregon should already have an organizational profile in the portal and at least one associated user account, as well as tribes and community college libraries that have recently applied for a LSTA grant. If you have already created an account but don’t have your login information, please click the ‘Forgot your password?’ link on the login screen.

For additional assistance, please contact Ross Fuqua at ross.fuqua@slo.oregon.gov.

Timeline

• September 1, 2020 – Announcement to grantees & applications open
• DEADLINE EXTENDED!: NOVEMBER 2, 2020 -- October 15, 2020 – Applications close
• October 2020 – April 2021 – Claims for reimbursement with invoices may be submitted
• March 31, 2021 – Funds must be expended
• April 15, 2021 – Final claims for payment must be submitted
• May 15, 2021 – Reports due (the State Library will provide a simple report form)

Background

The IMLS received $50 million dollars through the federal CARES Act of which $30 million is being distributed to each state and territory based on population. On April 21, 2020, Oregon was allocated a total of $381,108. State Libraries Administrative Agencies in each state and territory are developing plans for these funds to help support libraries in their area, using very similar guidelines and processes as with their existing LSTA Programs. 

The IMLS has provided the following direction on how this CARES Act funding is to be used:
a.    Primarily to address digital inclusion and related technical support, using the following types of data to inform targeted efforts:

• Poverty/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Unemployment
• Broadband availability

b.    Secondarily to address other efforts that prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19; and 
c.    With respect to (a) or (b), reach museum and tribal partners, in addition to traditionally eligible library entities, where appropriate.

Digital inclusion is the concept that individuals and communities should be afforded access to and use of computers, mobile devices, and the Internet. Another underlying principle of digital inclusion is that individuals and communities require the knowledge, skills, background content, and technical support services necessary to use these technologies. So, in addition to providing access to broadband and Internet-connected devices, libraries pursuing digital inclusion should provide opportunities to help individuals develop the digital skills they need for success in education, employment, and civic engagement.

Methodology for distribution

At their meeting on August 14, 2020, the State Library Board approved the following distribution plan, which focuses on building infrastructure and capacity for digital inclusion and engagement in Oregon’s highest-need communities.

To arrive at a list of eligible libraries and communities, the State Library applied the IMLS' three suggested criteria to identify areas of highest need:

• 20%+ SNAP recipients (Percentage of residents receiving SNAP in May 2020 (based on July 1, 2019 population estimates)
• 15%+ unemployment rate (Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rate (May 2020) - State of Oregon Employment Department
• 20%+ with no broadband coverage (https://broadbandnow.com/Oregon as of May 2020)

Based on those results, the funds will be distributed to:

• All legally established public libraries and community college libraries in counties which met at least two of the three criteria above. Those counties include: Baker, Coos, Crook, Curry, Douglas, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lincoln, Malheur, and Union
• the nine federally recognized tribes with which the State of Oregon works

Each library will be allocated a $2,000 minimum grant, and the remainder will be distributed based on service population:

• For public libraries – population served from 2019 Oregon Public Library Statistics (PLS) data
• For community college libraries – 2018-19 FTE by Instructional Programs, from Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) data
• For tribes – populations from Legislative Commission on Indian Services

Each tribe and eligible library will be invited to apply for a non-competitive grant, up to their full amount. Because eligible libraries may choose not to apply for the sub-grant, may only apply for a portion of it, or may not spend the entire amount, the State Library Board will reallocate any remaining CARES Act funds in Summer 2021.

CARES Act distribution table

Eligible Costs

Examples of eligible costs include, but are not limited to:

• Wi-Fi hotspots, including tablets and phones to use as hotspots*
• Laptops/tablets/devices with data plans*
• Extend or add additional Wi-Fi coverage at the library or in the community*
• Tools to support workforce development activities or training
• Video conferencing software
• Local programming, training, and services that promote digital skills development
• Up to 50% of a library’s grant may be spent on PPE items

*Public libraries will need to verify they are Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliant.

If you have questions about eligible costs for these funds, please contact us!

Unallowable Costs - Quick guide

The same guidance used for Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) subgrants for allowable costs will apply to CARES Act subgrants. This is not an exhaustive list of costs that are not allowed - please see more examples here.

• Operational costs
• Prizes or incentives
• Lobbying or political advocacy
• Internet service or internet-connected devices (unless library ensures CIPA compliance)
• Fundraising
• Construction or remodeling

Acknowledgement of funding source

Any public-facing information or resources purchases with these grants should include an acknowledgement of funding source similar to the following statement:

Questions?

Please contact Ross Fuqua, Data & Federal Programs Consultant, State Library of Oregon, at ross.fuqua@slo.oregon.gov.