2020 CARES Act Grants
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE: $165,000
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2020
SUMMARY:
To assist Nebraska libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic,
the Nebraska Library Commission is awarding federal funds to libraries
through a competitive grant process. These funds are administered by the
Institute of Museum and Library Services, from the CARES Act (Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act,
Public Law 116-136).
The funding is allocated to help libraries prepare to reopen to the public
and adapt services to reduce the impact of COVID-19. The spending principles
for these funds are driven by the language in the CARES Act:
- To prevent,
prepare for, and respond to COVID-19; and
- To expand
digital network access, purchase internet accessible devices, and provide
for technical support services.
To achieve these
purposes, the funding is to be used as follows:
- 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; and
- Broadband availability.
DEADLINES/TIMETABLES:
Online
applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM (CT) on
June 30, 2020.
Expected date that libraries will be notified of funding:
July 31, 2020.
The CARES Act Grant
funds must be requested no later than April 30, 2021 and expended by
May 31,
2021. Purchases made after April 21, 2020 are eligible for reimbursement.
The final completion report must
be submitted no later than June 30, 2021.
ELIGIBLE ENTITIES:
All legally established
Nebraska public libraries (both accredited and non-accredited) are eligible
to apply. For guidance about legally established libraries, see
this page,
which contains links to relevant Nebraska Statutes.
Other organizations can partner with an eligible entity for purposes of
submitting a grant application for a collaborative project. Partnerships
with museums are encouraged.
PROJECT GUIDELINES/EXAMPLES:
This list is not exhaustive, but rather intended as a general guide
or resource for allowable projects.
NOTE: NLC has a guide
that might be helpful - Options for Improving Public Internet Access
Connectivity:
Laptops, Chromebooks,
tablet computers, or other devices for use inside or outside of the library;
hotspots, devices with data plans; Wi-Fi
extenders and repeaters;
and other equipment upgrades.
Digital content:
eBooks; Audiobooks; and
databases.
Unemployment related:
Online unemployment
resources; assistance with job searches; training librarians to assist in unemployment; and
partnerships with unemployment related organizations.
COVID-19 response supplies:
Disinfectant sprays and
wipes; masks; gloves; sneeze guards for desks
and counters; and keyboard covers.
Virtual programming:
Summer reading and other programs to reach at-risk, educational, or other
targeted populations (partnering with museums and tribes, if possible).
**NOTE: Construction projects are not
allowable. This includes broadband infrastructure projects
that require construction equipment, trenching, construction related trades,
and "last mile" projects.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS and INFORMATION:
- No local match is required.
-
NLC recognizes that
libraries might be preparing to re-open prior to the June 30, 2020
grant application deadline, and may be purchasing or have
purchased COVID-19 response supplies prior to that date. To be
responsive to those library needs, grant applications for
reimbursement for purchases made prior to June 30, 2020 will be
considered for payment from CARES Act Grant funds. Purchases
must have been made subsequent to April 21, 2020. Appropriate documentation is required.
- Grant recipients will meet all requirements
outlined in the grant award documents. This includes crediting the
Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Nebraska Library
Commission when undertaking and promoting grant-supported activities by
including the following statement in all published materials:
This project is supported in part by the Institute
of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services
and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.
-
CIPA COMPLIANCE:
Projects which provide access to the Internet
require compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA);
this means Internet access must be filtered as required by the federal
LSTA funding.
For grant proposals involving access to the Internet or
Internet-related projects, libraries must provide an Internet Safety
Certification (part of the Cares Act grant application).
For CIPA
FAQ's, see ALA's
An Update on Filtering (interpretation of CIPA scenarios for
IMLS Cares Act Funding)
-
Grant recipients must follow the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 with regard to technology. Please review
IMLS Advisory: E-books Reader Lending Programs, and note that IMLS
encourages libraries to keep these laws in mind when acquiring new
public access technologies.
-
Compliance with the provisions of the
NLC LSTA sub-grant manual
is required, including access for persons with disabilities and access for persons with limited English proficiency.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For questions, feel free to contact
Christa Porter, Library Development Director, or
Sam Shaw, LSTA Coordinator.
FORMS:
CARES Act 2020 Completion Report