State Library of Ohio Library Services and Technology Act Open Grants (OH)

The State Library of Ohio Library Services and Technology Act Open Grants provide funding up to $4,999 for Ohio libraries to address community needs through innovative projects. Applications are accepted anytime, with evaluations occurring twice a year based on submission dates. The program encourages libraries to connect their projects to the State Library’s LSTA goals, fostering creativity and flexibility in project development without requiring local matching funds.

NOTE: Applications may be submitted at any time, though applications will be processed and funds will be awarded based on when the application is received.
Open Cycle 1 - Applications received between January 1 and June 30 will be evaluated in July and announced in mid-August. The grant project term will be 6 months; starting on September 1 and ending by February 28. All grant funds must be spent, and all work on the project must be completed within this time frame.Open Grant Cycle 2 - Applications received between July 1 and December 31 will be evaluated in January and announced in mid-February. The grant term will be 6 months; starting on March 1 and ending by August 31. All grant funds must be spent, and all work on the project must be completed within this time frame.
State Library of Ohio Library Services and Technology Act Open Grants (OH)
The State Library of Ohio LSTA Open Grant program is designed to support libraries in addressing a specific need within their community while helping the State Library achieve the goals outlined in the State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Five-Year Plan. Applicants submitting proposals should be prepared to describe the need they intend to address, the benefits of the proposed project, how the project’s benefits and impact will be measured, and the connection to the State Library’s LSTA goals. Recognizing that each library knows its community best, the LSTA Open Grant program gives applicants flexibility in the development of their projects. The intention is that applicants will be innovative and creative; proposing projects that might not be feasible without LSTA grant support. Open Grant awards are intended to support new initiatives or services.
Funding
Funds up to $4,999 are available.
Applying libraries may request no more than $4,999.00 in federal funds. No local matching funds are required for Open Grants.

Eligibility

Ohio libraries are eligible to apply.No more than six Open Grant proposals will be funded from each 6-month grant cycle.

Ineligibility

This grant is not intended for existing operational expenses.No library, library system, school district, or institution will be awarded more than one Open Grant in a grant cycle.
No library, library system, school district, or institution will receive an Open Grant in consecutive grant cycles.