The Idaho Commission for Libraries’ Welcoming Libraries Grant of $1,000 is available to Idaho public, school, or tribal libraries working with children. The grant focuses on supporting activities that improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in libraries to better serve Idaho’s underserved groups of children. These grants support libraries as they work to make their materials, programs, and spaces more welcoming and accessible to all children.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) will provide staff training opportunities, grant resource ideas, and a group orientation to all grantees at the beginning of the grant period. Library consultation services will also be avaliable to grantees throughout the grant period. All grantees will participate in a self-selected professional development opportunity and choose one or more of the following activities during the grant period:

• Conduct a community assessment to gain a better understanding of those who are going underserved in their community and identify gaps in viewpoints or experiences that are underrepresented in the library’s collection, programs, and spaces.
• Conduct a collection diversity audit of all or a portion of the library’s collection for children. This will be followed by collection purchases focused on inclusive representation, along with promotion of these new resources.
• Conduct a storytime diversity audit followed by updated storytime program curriculum, resource purchasing, and promotion.
• Create or modify current children’s programming, the library’s physical space, or the library’s virtual space to meet the developmental, cognitive, and/or neurological needs of library patrons, ensuring library programs, materials, and spaces are welcoming and accessible to all.

This program is administered by the ICfL and is made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

1. Build the institutional capacity of libraries to best serve their communities by increasing (1) their understanding of the specific communities they serve; (2) identifying gaps in their services; and (3) addressing these gaps.

2. Strengthen the role of libraries and library staff as community connectors as they work to make their library spaces more welcoming to all while increasing access for underserved children to diverse, equitable, and inclusive books, programming, and resources.

3. Increase equitable access to information and reading materials by increasing the amount of diversity, equity, and inclusion materials libraries provide.

This grant is open to public, school, and tribal libraries in Idaho. One application/award per library legal entity. Multi-branch systems may submit individual applications for each branch or library location. In order to be eligible, the library must be able to serve children. Applying school libraries muse have at least a part-time librarian and the school librarian must be the main coordinator for the grant. For definitions of library types, please see ICfL’s grant eligibility requirements at https://libraries.idaho.gov/grants-funding/grant-eligibility/.

To apply for this grant, the organization must provide a non-proprietary Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number from the federal System of Award Management (SAM). The UEI is a requirement for grantees receiving federal funds administered by the ICfL and replaces the requirement for a DUNS number. Obtaining a UEI is free, but can take upwards of a week to several months if your entity is not already in the SAM system. Please see the SAM website for more information: https://sam.gov/content/home. Most school districts already have a UEI number, which can be obtained from the business office.

Applications deemed eligible and complete will be ranked by an ICfL grant review committee using a scoring rubric based upon the application narrative questions. Each narrative question identifies the number of associated points for that question. Grant reviewers may also take into account the overall project budget and the geographic distribution of applicants when ranking.

Official award notifications will be 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: November 1 - 30, 2023

Grant Period: January 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024

Attend Virtual Training Session: December 2023

Complete One Continuing Education Course by:  February 15, 2024

Final Report Due: April 30, 2024

1. Award Summary. Libraries may apply for awards of $1,000 to be used for activities that improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in Idaho libraries and increase access for underserved children.
   
   
2. Required Activities. The library agrees to:
   
   1. Participate in a post-award grant orientation for approved applicants in December 2023 to review resources and ask questions of ICfL staff and/or other library grantees.
   
   2. At least one staff member will complete a minimum of one professional development opportunity or continuing education course on diversity, equity, and inclusion in libraries via any library-related educational venue. Approved venues include, but are not limited to, ICfL’s NICHE Academy; Library Juice; Info People; Library Journal; School Library Journal; and the American Library Association. The course must be completed at the start of the grant period, by February 15, 2024, so it informs the grant activities and expenditures. The continuing education course should be related to at least one of the grant activities the grantee has identified in their application. For supporting tools, resources, and professional development ideas in support of this grant, visit the Welcoming Libraries Niche Academy module here: https://my.nicheacademy.com/idaho/course/56687.
   
   3. Expend grant funds on activities that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for underserved youth in their community, as described in the grantee's application.
   
   4. Additionally, choose one of the following activities to complete:
   
   
   1. Conduct a community assessment or gather information about the community through focus groups or community interviews, in order to gain a better understanding of those served, those who are going underserved, and to ensure all viewpoints/experiences are represented in the library’s collection, programs, and spaces.
      
      
   2. Conduct a collection diversity/inclusion audit of all or a portion of the library’s collection for children, resulting in targeted collection purchasing for inclusive representation and promotion of these new resources. This may also include a marketing or display audit.
      
      
   3. Conduct a storytime diversity/inclusion audit of all or a portion of the library’s storytime curriculum, resulting in targeted or updated storytime programming, resource purchasing, and promotion.
      
      
   4. Create or modify current children’s programming, the library’s physical space, or the library’s virtual space to meet the developmental, cognitive, and/or neurological needs of library patrons, ensuring library programs, materials, and spaces are welcoming and accessible to all.
      
      
      
3. Allowable Expenditures. A grantee may only use program funds for allowable costs, as defined in the federal grant funds Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 200), 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. Books for youth presenting a variety of viewpoints and subjects, which support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. If the full grant amount is spent on books, the library must conduct an audit of their existing materials before making purchases.

   2. Materials and supplies to support the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the library including those that increase access for children with disabilities such as assistive technology, activity materials, sensory kits, bookmarks, posters, and signs. Furniture is allowable if specifically intended to increase access for underserved youth who do not currently have the equipment/means necessary to access library services.

   3.  Training and education costs for staff, including books and related travel expenses. Costs must be directly related to the purpose and successful fulfillment of this grant.

   4.  Professional and consultant services such as those for translation, guest speakers, or facilitators that support the purposes of the grant.

   5.  Services to increase accessibility of library services such as those used for technological connectivity and subscriptions. Grant funds may only be used to pay for services provided during the grant period.

   6.  Advertising or publicity specifically related to the grant such as publishing dates and times of activities or informing the public of the library's resources related to the grant.

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.  Promotional items and memorabilia, including models, gifts, and souvenirs.
   
   6. General purpose supplies and materials including technology, which is not specifically intended to serve children who currently lack access to library resources due to personal or familial barriers. Assistive technology and equipment is allowable.
   
   7. Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose, which is library specific, and are pre-approved in the grant application/agreement budget.

5. Reporting Requirements. The library agrees to:
   

   1.  Document grant expenditures through receipts, payroll reports, 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.  Submit final report by April 30, 2024. The link to the report can be accessed from the Welcoming Libraries webpage: https://libraries.idaho.gov/rtm/welcoming-libraries-grant/.

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 in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States program (grant number LS-253624-OLS-23, Assistance Listing Number/CFDA 45.310). The IMLS provides this grant support pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 9101 et seq. and as identified in Idaho’s Five-Year State Plan. Please acknowledge the IMLS and ICfL in signage, brochures, websites, press releases, and public events funded by this grant.
   
   
8. Funding. The ICfL plans to disburse funds to awarded libraries at the beginning of the grant period. A check will be mailed from the State of Idaho to the W-9 address on file. An organization may choose to sign up for elecronic deposits by contacting the ICfL.

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 November 30, 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:

• Kristina Taylor, Youth Services Project Coordinator, kristina.taylor@libraries.idaho.gov or (208) 639-4136
  
  
• Talela Florko, Grants/Contracts Officer, at talela.florko@libraries.idaho.gov or (208) 639-4164

Person Submitting this Application:

Any unspent funds must be returned to the ICfL at the end of the grant period. Variances in budget categories of 10% or more from the submitted/approved grant budget require approval from the ICfL.

This program is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) and was made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Applicants receiving federal grant funds administered by the ICfL must agree to comply with the following federal assurances and certifications. 

Nondiscrimination
The applicant certifies that it will comply with the following nondiscrimination statues and their implementing regulations:  

A. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (note: as clarified by Executive Order No. 13166, the applicant must take reasonable steps to ensure that limited English proficient (LEP) persons have meaningful access to the applicant’s programs (see IMLS guidance at 68 Federal Register 17679, April 10, 2003);

B. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq. including §794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability (note: IMLS applies the regulations in 45 C.F.R. part 1170 in determining compliance with section 504 as it applies to recipients of Federal assistance);

C. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. §§ 16811683, 1685–1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs;

D. Age Discrimination In Federally Assisted Programs, (42 U.S.C. § 6101 et seq.), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in federally-funded programs; and

E. The requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply.

Debarment and Suspension
The applicant shall comply with 2 C.F.R. part 3185 and 2 C.F.R. part 180, as applicable. The authorized representative, on behalf of the applicant, certifies to the best of his or her knowledge and belief that neither the applicant nor any of its principals:

A. Are presently excluded or disqualified;

B. Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. §180.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against it or them for one of those offenses within that time period;

C. Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State, or local) with commission of any of the offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. §180.800(a); or

D. Have had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.

Where the applicant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, the authorized representative shall attach an explanation.

The applicant is required to comply with 2 C.F.R. part 180 subpart C (Responsibilities of Participants Regarding Transactions Doing Business with Other Persons) as a condition of participation in the award. The applicant is also required to communicate the requirement to comply with 2 C.F.R. part 180 subpart C (Responsibilities of Participants Regarding Transactions Doing Business with Other Persons) to persons at the next lower tier with whom the applicant enters into covered transactions.

Prohibition Against Lobbying, Publicity, and Propaganda
In accordance with Federal appropriations law, no funds provided through this grant or contract may be used for publicity or propaganda purposes for the preparation, distribution, or use of any kit, pamphlet, booklet, publication, electronic communication, radio, television, or video presentation designed to support or defeat the enactment of legislation before the Congress or any State or local legislature or legislative body or designed to support or defeat any proposed or pending regulation, administrative action, or order issued by the executive branch of any State or local government. No federal funds may be used to pay the salary or expenses of any grant or contract recipient, or agent acting for such recipient, related to any activity designed to influence the enactment of legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action or Executive order proposed or pending before the Congress or any State government, State legislature or local legislature or legislative body.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities
For applicants entering into a grant or cooperative agreement in excess of $100,000 (as required by 31 U.S.C. § 1352), the applicant certifies to the best of his or her knowledge and belief that:

A. No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the authorized representative, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

B. If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person (other than a regularly employed officer or employee of the applicant, as provided in 31 U.S.C. § 1352) for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the authorized representative shall complete and submit Standard Form LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,” in accordance with its instructions.

C. The authorized representative shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance is placed when the transaction is made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into the transaction imposed by 31 U.S.C. § 1352.

Trafficking in Persons
The applicant must comply with Federal law pertaining to trafficking in persons. Under 22 U.S.C. §7104(g), any grant, contract, or cooperative agreement entered into by a Federal agency under which funds are to be provided to a private entity shall include a condition that authorizes the federal agency to terminate the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, or take other authorized actions, if the grantee or any subgrantee, or the contractor or any subcontractor, engages in, or uses labor recruiters, brokers, or other agents who engage in trafficking in persons, the procurement of a commercial sex act, the use of forced labor, or acts that directly support or advance trafficking in persons.

Internet Safety
The applicant shall comply with Idaho Code 33-2741, if applicable. If Federal funds are used to purchase computers used to access the internet or to pay for direct costs associate with accessing the internet, the authorized representative provides assurances that the applicant is in compliance with 20 U.S.C. § 9134(f), which sets out standards relating to internet safety for libraries that do not receive services at discount rates under § 254(h)(6) of 47 U.S.C.

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 Kristina Taylor, Youth Services Project Coordinator, kristina.taylor@libraries.idaho.gov, (208) 639-4136 or Grants/Contracts Officer Talela Florko at talela.florko@libraries.gov, (208) 639-4164.

Applicants will be notified of their grant status by December 15, 2023.