Opportunity Information: Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) opportunity is a discretionary federal grant program run by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) designed to strengthen library and archival services across the United States. The program focuses on projects that push the field forward by advancing both theory and practice, meaning it is aimed less at routine operations and more at work that can produce meaningful, field-level improvements. The central idea is to fund efforts that create broadly useful outcomes, such as new tools and resources, credible research findings, tested models, improved service designs, documented practices, or collaborative approaches that other libraries and archives can adopt. A major emphasis is on results that can be reused beyond the original project site, including work that can be adapted, scaled up, or replicated, so that the impact of federal investment extends to many communities and institutions.
IMLS structured the application process in two phases. Phase I required all applicants to submit a short, two-page preliminary proposal, essentially a concept-level submission used to screen ideas before asking for a full application. Grants.gov accepted these preliminary proposals until 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on October 2, 2020. Only applicants invited forward from Phase I could submit a complete Phase II application, referred to as an Invited Full Proposal. The Phase II deadline, also submitted through Grants.gov, was 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on March 26, 2021, which is also listed as the original closing date for the opportunity in the source data.
From a funding standpoint, this opportunity offered substantial support for ambitious national or multi-institution efforts. The award ceiling was up to $1,000,000 per grant, and IMLS expected to make approximately 40 awards under this round. The program is categorized under Arts and Humanities activity areas (with references to cultural affairs in CFDA), and it is associated with CFDA number 45.312. The funding instrument type is a grant. Eligibility in the summary data is listed broadly as "Others," with the note to consult the full eligibility guidance in the official notice, indicating that the applicant pool can include a range of organizations depending on the specific eligibility rules outlined in the complete announcement.
Key identifiers for this specific posting include the Funding Opportunity Number "NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2" and a creation date of February 3, 2021. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a competitive national leadership program meant to catalyze innovations and evidence-based improvements in library and archival work, with deliverables designed for broad adoption rather than benefits confined to a single institution.Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.312.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 03, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 26, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 40 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) - FAQs
What is the National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) opportunity?
National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity run by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It is designed to strengthen library and archival services across the United States by funding projects that advance the field, not just individual institutions.
Who runs this grant program?
The program is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
What is the main purpose of the program?
The program aims to fund work that pushes library and archival services forward by advancing both theory and practice. The emphasis is on meaningful, field-level improvements rather than routine operations.
What kinds of outcomes is IMLS looking for?
IMLS is focused on outcomes that are broadly useful across libraries and archives. Examples mentioned include new tools and resources, credible research findings, tested models, improved service designs, documented practices, and collaborative approaches that other institutions can adopt.
Does the program fund routine operations at a single library or archive?
Based on the description provided, the program is aimed less at routine operations and more at projects that create meaningful improvements for the broader field.
What does "national leadership" mean in the context of this opportunity?
In this context, it refers to projects intended to catalyze innovations and evidence-based improvements that can influence practice beyond the original project site, with results meant for broader adoption across many communities and institutions.
What is meant by "broad adoption" or "reusable" results?
The opportunity emphasizes deliverables that can be reused beyond the original project location. That includes work that can be adapted, scaled up, or replicated so the impact of the federal investment extends to many libraries, archives, and communities.
How was the application process structured?
IMLS used a two-phase application process. Phase I required a short preliminary proposal, and only applicants invited forward from Phase I were eligible to submit the Phase II application, called an Invited Full Proposal.
What was required in Phase I?
Phase I required a two-page preliminary proposal, described as a concept-level submission used to screen ideas before requesting full applications.
When was the Phase I deadline?
Phase I preliminary proposals were accepted through Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on October 2, 2020.
Who could submit a Phase II application?
Only applicants who were invited forward after Phase I screening could submit a Phase II application (an Invited Full Proposal).
What was the Phase II deadline?
The Phase II deadline (submitted through Grants.gov) was 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on March 26, 2021. This date is also listed as the original closing date for the opportunity.
Where were applications submitted?
Both Phase I and Phase II submissions were accepted through Grants.gov.
What is the maximum award amount for this opportunity?
The award ceiling for this opportunity was up to $1,000,000 per grant.
How many awards was IMLS expecting to make?
IMLS expected to make approximately 40 awards under this round.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument type is a grant.
Which activity area is this program associated with?
The opportunity is categorized under Arts and Humanities activity areas, with references to cultural affairs in the CFDA context.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 45.312.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this posting?
The Funding Opportunity Number is NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2.
When was this posting created?
The creation date listed for this posting is February 3, 2021.
Who is eligible to apply?
The summary eligibility field is listed as "Others," with a note to consult the full eligibility guidance in the official notice. This indicates eligibility can include a range of organizations depending on the specific rules in the complete announcement.
Where can applicants find the definitive eligibility rules?
The description notes that applicants should consult the full eligibility guidance in the official notice to confirm whether they qualify.
What types of projects fit best with this grant based on the description?
Projects that appear to fit best are those that generate broadly useful deliverables for the library and archival field, such as tools, research, models, service designs, documented practices, or collaborative approaches that can be adopted by others and extended across institutions.
Is this opportunity intended for local-only impact?
No. The emphasis is on outcomes that extend beyond a single site and can be adapted, scaled, or replicated to benefit many institutions and communities.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA)
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant Apply for NAG BASIC FY21 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Collections Assessment for Preservation Program Apply for CAP FY21 Funding Number: CAP FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant (2021) Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY21 Funding Number: NAG HAWAIIAN FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant (2021) Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY21 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| IMLS American Rescue Plan Apply for ARP FY21 Funding Number: ARP FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2022) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY22 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2022) Apply for LB21 FY22 Funding Number: LB21 FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Museums for America (2022) Apply for MFA FY22 Funding Number: MFA FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Inspire! Grants for Small Museums (2022) Apply for IGSM FY22 Funding Number: IGSM FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Museums (2022) Apply for NLG M FY22 Funding Number: NLG M FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Museums Empowered (2022) Apply for ME FY22 Funding Number: ME FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2022) Apply for AAHC FY22 Funding Number: AAHC FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2022) Apply for NANH FY22 Funding Number: NANH FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2022) Apply for NAG BASIC FY22 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants (2022) Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY22 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2022) Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY22 Funding Number: NAG HAWAIIAN FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2022) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY22 P2 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY22 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2022) Apply for LB21 FY22 P2 Funding Number: LB21 FY22 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2023) Apply for LB21 FY23 Funding Number: LB21 FY23 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2023) Apply for NANH FY23 Funding Number: NANH FY23 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
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