Overview
The New York State Library (NYSL) is administering a new grant program with the intent of improving the capacity of library systems and public and association libraries to offer services and information resources in their communities in the areas of outreach and community engagement; best practices in literacy; and social wellbeing and improving the lives of New Yorkers. Project components may include outreach, programming, consultations from outside experts, and the purchase of supplies and technology which support a larger library initiative.
Funds are available to library systems and public and association libraries chartered by the Regents. Library systems include public library systems, reference and research library resources systems, and school library systems. The minimum grant award is $5,000 and the maximum grant award is $20,000. No financial match is required. The total amount to be distributed is approximately $490,000.
Application Requirements
The grant application is now open. All applications must be submitted by May 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) requirement for all applicants
In order to receive federal funds through this grant program, a library or system must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Libraries or systems that intend to receive federal grant subawards through this program should go to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI if they do not already have one. Applicants can request a UEI through SAM.gov without needing to complete a full entity registration process for the purposes of receiving an LSTA grant subaward. Proposals received for this RFP must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) by 5:00 PM on the proposal due date of May 15, 2026. Applicants without an UEI cannot be evaluated.
Prequalification requirement for non-profit organizations
New York State has implemented a statewide prequalification requirement for not-for-profit organizations applying for grants. This applies to all association libraries and library systems that are registered as not-for-profits. To become prequalified, a nonprofit must register with the Statewide Financial System (SFS) and complete an online prequalification application. Find more information about the prequalification process. Proposals received from not-for-profit applicants that have not registered and are not prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) on the proposal due date cannot be evaluated. Such proposals will be disqualified from further consideration. Even if you have prequalified in the past, please be sure you have completed the necessary steps to maintain a prequalified status. Detailed information is available on the Grants Management website.
Questions about this funding opportunity may be submitted online. The procurement number is GC24-005 and the procurement name is “Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Competitive Grant Program.” A question and answers summary will be posted to this website no later than March 31, 2026.