LSTA Grants

Applications for Impact and Inspire Grants will open on January 21, 2025. All applications must be submitted through Amplifund, the MBLC's grant management software.

Application

The video below will walk you through an application example and cover how to complete key tasks.

Needs Statement

The need should be about the user. The need should not be about improvements to the library or creating a positive view of the library in the community.
Support this section with evidence. Think about statistics and stories that make a compelling case for why this project should be funded. The statistics and documentation used should be specific, local, and relevant. Options will vary depending on your project but here are some suggestions that might be helpful:

• Census data - The U.S. Census provides a wealth of information. The American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau may be another valuable source. Some communities will also conduct their own local annual census.
• MMA Municipal Data - The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) has data on the 351 communities in Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Regional Planning Agencies - There are twelve regional planning agencies serving Massachusetts. These agencies may have studies or planning documents with valuable statistics and information related to your project need.
• School data - The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will have data on your local schools. Your local district may also have additional information that might be helpful.
• Organizations or groups specific to your project - This could include national groups like National Alzheimer's Association for projects focused on individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers, or something more regional like English at Large for those focused on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners. The KIDS COUNT Data Center from the Annie E. Casey Foundation can be good source for data on children and families. Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP) might be an option if available. Departments or organizations in your community may have gathered data on your targeted population, particularly if that group is their focus. Examples include historical commissions, public health departments, or early childhood initiatives.

Logic Model

A logic model is going to give a visual representation of how your proposed project will work. The logic model must be one side of one page and must clearly outline the resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes.

• Resources: What do you need to do the project? (number of staff hours on project, match funding from Friends, etc)
• Activities: What are you planning to do? (purchase materials for collection, plan program series, develop training for volunteers, etc)
• Outputs: What are the products from the planned activities? (# of items digitized, total attendance #s, % increase in circulation, etc.)
• Outcomes: What learning impacts are anticipated by the end of the project period? (Staff will feel more confident in their ability to help the public with the archival collection, Attendees will indicate learning something by participating in a training, etc.)

Letters

• Do not include letters from Representatives or Trustees. An exception would be if they are acting in another capacity when speaking of their support for the proposal.
• Paid presenters are typically vendors, not partners.
• Proposals must have at least one letter. Quality is more important than quantity. Two substantive letters are far better than six underwhelming ones.

Budget

Funding for these grants comes from federal LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) funds provided by the Institute of Museum of Library Services (IMLS). Guidelines about what can and cannot be part of the budget must adhere to federal rules and regulations. Context matters but below are some areas that LSTA funding cannot be used for:

• Lobbying
• Entertainment
• Replacing local operating money
• Giveaways, including books

Check with MBLC consultants to know if something is permissible with grant funds.

Two-year projects will need to break out the funding for each year. Include the year before each line item.