2023 Digital Equity Grant

Application window for this grant is now closed.

The State Library is offering 10 grants of $5,000 to libraries who have recently participated in an Edge Cohort to implement digital inclusion programs and services in their library.

The goals of this program are to:

• Build capacity in libraries and partner organizations to deliver or support the distribution of computing devices and digital accessories, digital skills training, or digital navigation services; and
• Assist libraries in designing services that target needs of historically and currently underserved and under-resourced communities as identified in the State of Oregon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan.

The intended outcome is that libraries and partner organizations design and deliver services that meet the needs of underserved and under-resourced groups in their communities.

The application period will start June 12, 2023 and close June 30, 2023. Grants will be awarded by July 14, 2023. Funds will be distributed in advance and recipients will be expected to commit to spending the entire grant amount to the penny. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2024.

Who may apply

Participants who successfully completed a 2022 or 2023 Edge Cohort may apply.

Each library may submit only one application.

What you may apply for

Each applicant may request up to $5,000 to support implementation of a digital equity and/or inclusion project. See Potential Projects below for ideas.

Projects must target needs of historically and currently underserved and under-resourced communities as identified in the State of Oregon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan. These include:

• Native American members of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes, American Indian, Alaska Natives
• Black, African, African American
• Latina, Latino, Latinx, Hispanic
• Asian
• Pacific Islander (including Compact of Free Association Citizens)
• Immigrants, Refugees, Asylum-Seekers, Deferred Status Holders, Temporary Protected Status
• Undocumented, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), “Dreamers,” Non-Immigrant Visa Holders
• Linguistically diverse, English language learners (ELL)
• Economically Disadvantaged
• People with disabilities
• LGBTQIA2S+
• Farmworkers, Migrant Seasonal Workers

Purchases must adhere to Allowable Costs. Applicants may allocate a portion of the grant funds for becoming CIPA compliant.

Up to 10% of the funds requested may be used for indirect costs (overhead-type costs such as staff time spent on grant administration, administrative or financial operations for an entire organization, etc.). If your institution or organization has a previously negotiated indirect cost rate in place with any federal agency and you wish to use that rate, the State Library of Oregon is obligated to honor it if your project is successfully funded (this typically applies to higher education institutions).

What you will be required to do if awarded a grant…

• Acknowledge the funding source in any publicity about the project or on resources created with these grant funds
• Attend 2 virtual project meetings with State Library staff
• Contact the State Library if you need to make changes to your project and/or budget
• Submit a midway report by January 15, 2024
• Expend ALL funds received by June 30, 2024
• Submit a final report with all documentation related to purchases by July 31, 2024
• Attend a final online meeting to share successes with other libraries receiving this grant

Potential Projects

Conduct a community scan or needs assessment.

• Example: Plan an event with a community group that creates a safe environment for community members to talk about what tools and services are needed to bridge the digital divide. Grant can cover costs of facilitation or translation services.
• Example: Analyze the scan results with a community group and create a programming/outreach plan that addresses gaps in community resources.

Design an outreach campaign to raise awareness in targeted communities about low-cost internet programs, devices, or training.

• Example: Collaborate with a local Internet Service Provider to promote Affordable Connectivity Program discounts for qualified participants. Host sign up events or other support for the application process.
• Example: Create inserts for your library’s circulating devices that highlight discount internet or device programs and digital skills training resources in the community.

Develop digital skills training events.

• Example: Create digital skills training workshops for community members or partner with a local group that offers training.
• Example: Host “train the trainer” events for library and community organization staff.

Create a digital navigator program.

• Example: Train staff, teen interns, or volunteers to provide drop-in tech help events.
• Example: Create an orientation program for library users borrowing devices from library.
• Example: Partner with a community group to host family technology nights or other tech help events.

Resources

• Digital Inclusion Startup Manual - https://startup.digitalinclusion.org/
• Digital Navigator Model - https://www.digitalinclusion.org/digital-navigator-model/
• National Digital Equity Center (example of classes) - https://digitalequitycenter.org/classes/
• Northstar Digital Literacy (assessments and online training) - https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/

Timeline

How to Apply

You may preview the application before applying.

To start your application:

• Log in to our online grants portal
  • If you are new to the system, you will need to create an account. You may want to first check if someone else from your organization has created an account for this site. If so, please email lsta.grants@slo.oregon.gov. We can create an account for you that will be connected to your organization in the site.
• Once logged in, select Apply in the top menu.
• Locate the 2023 Digital Equity Grant box, and select the blue Apply button on that box.
• You may save your work, log out, and come back to your application at any time before submitting.

Final applications must be submitted by the deadline listed in the timeline above. Applications that are left incomplete in the system or not submitted by the deadline will be considered abandoned requests and will not be considered for funding.