FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard gbullard@imls.gov

Notice of Funding Opportunity: Second Round of Funding for FY 2015
National Leadership Grants for Libraries

Preliminary Proposals Will Be Accepted until the February 2, 2015 Deadline

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announces the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the second round of FY 2015 National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG). The IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries program invests $12 million annually in projects that improve professional library and archive practice, drive innovation, and have a national impact.

This year, IMLS offered two opportunities to apply for FY 2015 National Leadership Grants for Libraries. This NOFO announces the February 2, 2015 deadline and is a call for two-page preliminary proposals. From the proposals, we will select applicants and invite them to submit full proposals in June. Applicants who were not invited to continue from the first round of funding are welcome to submit new preliminary proposals during this round.

We encourage applications that address two project categories. They were identified in a series of IMLS Focus meetings held earlier this year: 

• National digital platform, with support to bridge gaps between disparate pieces of the existing digital library infrastructure for increased efficiencies, cost-savings, access, and services. Note: the program cannot support the digitization of content.
•  Learning spaces in libraries, including work that builds institutional capacity, develops STEM learning, engages community, and encourages partnerships to support all types of learning and inquiry, including participatory and hands-on learning in libraries.

Please see the NOFO for more information about the types of activities can be funded under the project categories.

Getting Your Questions Answered
IMLS staff members are available by phone and email to discuss general issues relating to the National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. We also invite you to participate in a webinar to learn more about the program, ask questions, and listen to the questions and comments of other participants.

The webinars for prospective applicants are scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2014 and Tuesday, January 6, 2015, both at 3 p.m. Eastern. Learn more

IMLS is using the Blackboard Collaborate system (version 12.5). If you are a first-time user of Blackboard, click here to check your system compatibility and configure your settings.

See grant program guidelines for additional webinar details.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.