Iowa Public Library Grant Award Program

The Iowa Public Library Grant Award Program, funded by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, supports the enhancement of library services across Iowa. Grants up to $80,000 assist with construction, renovation, and technology initiatives, especially those benefiting youth. Projects are evaluated on community needs and local investment. However, funding for joint school-library projects or accessibility improvements is excluded. Successful applicants must wait five years before reapplying.

In recognition of the central role occupied by public libraries in the social and intellectual life of Iowa communities, the Carver Trust offers directed support for the establishment, expansion and enhancement of community-based library facilities and services. Grants of up to $80,000 are generally awarded for construction, renovation and/or furnishings and equipment needs, including technology-based initiatives that link libraries across multiple sites. Projects emphasizing library patronage among youth are especially encouraged.
Funding Guidelines
In general, 20% of total need, up to a maximum of $80,000, is used as a funding guideline for all public libraries representing state codes A through I. However, each project is evaluated on its own merits, recognizing that, in some cases, such guidelines may not be appropriate. Further, once a facility has successfully secured a grant award from the Carver Trust, no additional applications for funding will be considered for a period of at least five years.

Eligibility

Current and projected usage patterns should be addressed in all funding requests, as well as the various forms of educational programming offered at the site.Future funding for library activities beyond the timeframe of the proposed grant period should be addressed.
Public library measures of quality and performance, as endorsed by the State Library of Iowa, will be considered in areas of staff certification, long-range planning and a community-wide study.

Ineligibility

The Trust does not provide grants specifically targeted to making libraries handicapped accessible, although the Board certainly recognizes that need.In addition, while we understand that combining library services may be beneficial to a community, as a matter of policy, the Trust does not provide funding for joint school/community library projects or facilities.