Idaho libraries are encouraged to apply for the $500 Summer STEM Grant to increase summer learning opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Open to public, school, academic, and tribal libraries in Idaho, the grant will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying applicants. Grant recipients should plan to create meaningful and engaging youth STEM programs and activities by purchasing STEM-related materials, supplies, and kits, and/or bringing in fun and educational presenters.

This grant is made possible through a partnership with the Idaho STEM Action Center, whose mission is to advance innovative opportunities for educators, students, communities, and industry to build a competitive Idaho workforce and economy through STEM and computer science education.

A. Strengthen the role of libraries and library staff as community educators and community connectors by increasing access to fun, engaging, hands-on STEM activities for youth.

B. Increase children's access to books over the summer months.

C. Reduce children's learning loss during the summer months.

This grant is open to public, school, academic, and tribal libraries in Idaho. Multi-branch systems may submit multiple applications. For definitions of library types, please see ICfL’s grant eligibility requirements at https://libraries.idaho.gov/grants-funding/grant-eligibility/. In order to be eligible, the library must also be able to provide Summer STEM programming outside of their normal service model.

Applications deemed eligible and complete will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Approved applicants will receive an official award notification, signed by the ICfL authorizing official, the State Librarian, or alternate assigned official. The completed application signed by the applicant, along with the official award notification signed by the ICfL authorizing official, will serve as the agreement/contract for this grant.

Submit Applications: February 21 - March 20, 2023

Grant Period: April 10 - September 15, 2023

Conduct STEM Programs/Activities: May - August, 2023

Final Report Due: September 15, 2023

1. Award Summary. The ICfL will disburse a $500 grant to each approved library for the purpose of facilitating STEM programming and outreach activities during the summer months.
2. Required Activities. The library agrees to:
   
   1. Use grant funds to support STEM programs/outreach activities for a minimum of five weeks during the months of May - August, 2023. 
   
   2. Expand the library's current services. Use grant funds to increase or supplement (not supplant or replace) the library's existing STEM programming.
   
   3. Public libraries must hold at least 40% of their programs away from the library. Take away STEM kits or virtual STEM programs are considered offsite outreach activities.
   
   4. See the grant webpage for additional programming recommendations (https://libraries.idaho.gov/stem/summer-stem/).
   
   
3. Allowable Expenditures. A grantee may only use program funds for allowable costs, which includes the requirement that costs be reasonable and necessary for the accomplishment of program objectives.
   
   The following is an abbreviated list of allowable grant expenses. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. Applicants should contact the ICfL if they are unsure if their proposed idea/expenditure is allowable.
   
   1. Materials and supplies for STEM programs and outreach activities. 
   
   2. Books focused on STEM topics.
   
   3. Professional and consultant services such as those for guest speakers, presenters, or facilitators, and community partner programming.
   
   4. Advertising or publicity specifically related to the grant such as publishing dates and times of programs/activities. No more than 10% ($50) may be spent on advertising and publicity.
   
   
4. Non-Allowable Expenditures. The following is an abbreviated list of non-allowable grant expenses. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. Applicants should contact the ICfL if they are unsure if a cost is allowable. The following items are not allowable grant expenses:
   
   1. Food and beverages. Food is allowable if used primarily as a supply in a learning activity.
   
   2. Capital expenditures related to the purchase of real property, buildings, or motor vehicles.
   
   3. Construction expenditures related to the improvement or expansion of buildings and facilities.
   
   4. Advertising or publicity not related directly to the programs carried out through the grant.
   
   5. Indirect costs.
   
   6. Apparel.
   
   7. Technology or other supplies/materials used solely by the organization (laptop, tablet, smart board, etc.).
   
   8. Compensation including salaries and wages for current library staff.
    
5. Reporting Requirements. The library agrees to:
   
   1. Document grant expenditures through receipts, accounting system reports, and/or invoices. Spending documentation must be submitted with the final report. Any grant funds not accounted for through documented spending must be returned to the ICfL.
   
   2. Collect program data required by the ICfL for submission with the final report. Plan to document program locations, attendance numbers, activities, and generally what people learned when asked at the end of the program. Please also document partners, successes and challenges, and whether you were able to reach underserved populations in your area.
   
   3. Submit final report by September 15, 2023. All funds must be expended, with documentation, by this date. Scan and submit receipts with the final report. Access the report from the grant webpage at https://libraries.idaho.gov/stem/summer-stem/.
   
   
6. Records Retention. The grantee must retain grant records for a period of three years following the end of the award period. Records include the grant application/agreement, award letter, correspondence, reports, financial records, and receipts.
   
   
7. Acknowledgement. This grant is administered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible with funding from the Idaho STEM Action Center. Please acknowledge these funding sources on outreach materials and during programming activities. The Idaho STEM Action Center can be tagged with #IdahoSTEMAC in Facebook posts and with @IdahoSTEMAC in Twitter and Instagram posts.

The online application must be completed in one sitting and cannot be saved for completion at a later time. We suggest drafting responses in a separate document prior to completing the online form. The application must be signed and submitted with an electronic signature on or before March 20, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MT. This application will serve as your official grant agreement if you are notified in writing that you have been approved for funding. The ICfL will notify all applicants whether or not they were selected for funding.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact either of the following staff members at the Idaho Commission for Libraries:

• Jennifer Redford, Youth Services Consultant, Jennifer.redford@libraries.idaho.gov or (208) 639-4147
  
  
• Talela Florko, Grants/Contracts Officer, at talela.florko@libraries.idaho.gov or (208) 334-2150

Please review the following statements before signing and submitting this application.

A. If awarded, the library agrees to meet the grant requirements outlined in this application/agreement.

B. If awarded, the applicant’s legal entity agrees to expend all funds received for the purposes outlined in this application/agreement and understands that any grant funds that are not expended at the end of the grant period must be returned to the ICfL.

C. I certify that the statements herein are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

D. I certify that I have the authority to submit this application on behalf of my organization.

If you have any questions about this program or your application please contact Jennifer Redford, Youth Services Consultant, Jennifer.redford@libraries.idaho.gov, (208) 639-4147 or Grants/Contracts Officer Talela Florko at talela.florko@libraries.gov, (208) 639-4164.

Applicants will be notified of their grant status by April 7, 2023.