USA 250 Semiquincentennial Funding Opportunity for California Public Libraries Grant

USA 250 Semiquincentennial Funding Opportunity for California Public Libraries Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: California Library Association
Amount: Up to US $3,500
Last Updated: March 05, 2026

Summary

Overview

Note: Applications received by the deadline above, will receive priority consideration. After this deadline, applications will be considered on a rolling basis while funds remain available, through Friday, March 27, 2026, 12 p.m. (noon). (If funding requests exceed available funds, CLA will use the Local Income Per Capita level to determine which applications will be prioritized.) California Library Association The California Library Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, established in 1895 under the title of "Library Association of Central California," and lead by its first President, J.C. Rowell from the University of California. Currently, CLA has over 1,600 Individual, Business, and Institutional members. Individual members include librarians, library employees, library students, friends group members, trustees, retirees as well as members of the general public who wish to support California libraries. CLA Business members represent a wide range of library-supporting businesses, whereas Institutional members include library institutions and systems who support the association's advocacy programs. Annually, CLA provides professional development and advocacy support for its members and the California library community at large. Additionally, CLA supports the administration of the California Summer Reading Program as well as further summer enrichment programs funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The California Library Association is committed to helping library staff develop the knowledge and skills needed to work for 21st Century libraries, and to advance in the library field. USA 250 Semiquincentennial Funding Opportunity for California Public Libraries What is CLA’s USA 250 Semiquincentennial Funding Opportunity? In partnership with the California State Library, California Library Association is offering reimbursement funding to California public libraries interested in creating USA 250 Semiquincentennial related programming with their communities, to support learning and enrichment, community connection and engagement. These reimbursement funds can support: Programming related to the 250th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, including programming that sheds light on histories, people, stories, and/or social and political movements related to the Declaration of Independence and the long journey towards realizing the document’s guarantees and ideals for all. USA 250 Semiquincentennial related programming can focus on adults, intergenerational groups, children, teens, and/or families. California public libraries may apply for up to $3,500 in reimbursement funds to plan and support summer USA 250 programming that resonates with their communities. Funds can be used for: Materials and supplies for interactive learning and/or enrichment programming such as film screenings, local history activities, musical programming, art and crafting activities, cooking programming, etc. Facilitator/educational presenter fees Community-Centered Programming As part of the USA 250 application, libraries are asked to include information on community interests and aspirations that the programming will reflect; and to discuss how the project will engage with, and collaborate with, community voices. Guidelines & Requirements Awardees must collaborate with at least one community connection or partner. Please review the list of LSTA allowable and unallowable costs. Jurisdictions may apply for up to two outlets. A separate application should be submitted for each library location. (Due to limited funding, grant staff will award funds to accommodate the greatest number of library jurisdictions.) A reimbursement request form must be accompanied by scanned/digital receipts and received within 2 weeks of the program’s conclusion.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. California public libraries interested in creating USA 250 Semiquincentennial related programming with their communities, to support learning and enrichment, community connection and engagement.