Gates Library Initiative: Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program
The New York State Library is participating in a Bill & Melinda Gates Library Foundation program entitled the Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program. The State Library is working in partnership with PULISDO to implement this program. This program will provide 2,145 computers for a maximum of 421 New York State public libraries, for a value of approximately $6.1 million. |
Impact Report pdf 
- New 2010
421 Libraries Throughout NY to Get $4.1 Million in Grants from Gates Foundation [video]
Press Release: 421 LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT NEW YORK TO GET $4.1 MILLION IN GRANTS FROM GATES FOUNDATION
Grant Program - Phase II - April 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Deadline for TechAtlas inventory
TechAtlas inventory updates are due to be completed by December 4, 2009. The updated iinventory must include those public access computers that were purchased during Phase II of the Opportunity Online Hardware grant.
Access the inventory tool at: webjunction.techatlas.org/tools/.
If you need assistance in completing this inventory, TechAltas is offering webinars on the following dates:
November 10, November 11, December 1 and December 10.
Complete
webinar information, including registration, is available at:
www.webjunction.org/techatlas-oppon/-/articles/content/82390502.
Instructions
for completing your inventory updates (including a printer-friendly version) are available through TechAtlas at:
www.webjunction.org/techatlas-oppon/-/articles/content/65961293.
Frequently Asked Questions (Phase II)
Lists of Eligible Libraries by Library System (Phase II)
Phase II Grant Application Forms
Grant Program - Phase I - April 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Program Information for Phase I
Grant Application Forms - Final Report Forms for Phase I
Purpose of the Program
The Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program is designed to help public libraries upgrade hardware and learn how to sustain these upgrades over time. The program focuses on libraries that serve high need communities that are struggling to keep pace with technology changes. The program also seeks to motivate local governments to commit long-term local funding to computer services in public libraries.
The two-year grant program will fund public computer workstations, and associated training and tech support. It requires dedicated local funding through a monitored and enforced escalating matching requirement (25% for the first year and 50% for year two).
Eligibility
The Gates Foundation determined eligibility for each participating library. Libraries must meet two criteria to receive funding.
Economic Need: Eligible public libraries serve communities where 10% of the total population or more than 3,000 people in each library service area live in poverty. Each public library was designated as either rural, urban, or suburban, which defined their service area radius.
Gates Foundation Grant Announcement
State Library Grant Proposal
Background Information (from Gates Foundation; in .PDF format)
Poverty Criteria Explanation
Library System Responsibilities
Individual Library Responsibilities
Sample Media Materials
Public libraries that are recipients of the “Opportunity Online” hardware grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are urged to contact their local media. A sample press release from the State Education Department can be accessed and downloaded for local library use. Libraries can fill in the appropriate areas with information about their individual grants and distribute the release locally. Additional Sample Media Materials are also available.
Acceptable Match Sources & Verification Documentation
About the Initiative |
State Partnership Grant |
Library Training Program Grant |
Staying Connected 1 |
Staying Connected 2 |
Rural Library Sustainability Project |
Spanish Language Outreach Program |
Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program |
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