State Grants to Libraries

In the 2024 legislative session, the Colorado Legislature appropriated nearly $3 million in the state's budget to fund the State Grants to Libraries Act. The funds will be available to eligible publicly funded school, public and academic libraries to fund grants for library materials as defined in the statute (see CRS 24-90-401). The purpose of the funds is for educational materials in libraries that support efforts to improve literacy and learning.

Funding Available for 2024-2025

The Colorado State Library is excited to announce that nearly $3 million in State Grants to Libraries funding is available for 2024-2025! The Colorado Legislature appropriated these grant funds because of the continued impact they provide to the communities the libraries serve. Projected funding amounts are available here (PDF) (one grant awarded per library jurisdiction, academic institution, or school district).

New for 2024-2025: the grant is transitioning to CDE's new grants management system, Grants Administration Implementation and Navigation System (GAINS). Eligibility forms must be completed in GAINS by 4:00 PM, Monday, September 16, 2024.

Timeline

September 16, 2024: Eligibility forms due by 4:00 PM in GAINS
October 2024: Final award amounts announced
July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025: Grant funding period

June 30, 2025: Last day to request funds
July 31, 2025: 2024-2025 final grant report due

Latest Resources

section of 2023-2024 state grants to libraries distribution map

2023-2024 Distribution of State Grants to Libraries (PDF): View a map of where the 2023-2024 State Grants to Libraries were distributed, funding 312 grants to academic, public, and school libraries across the state. 98% of all libraries in the state received funding at a minimum of $4,500.

partial image of 2022-2023 state grants to libraries impact infographic

The Impact of State Grants to Libraries: 2022-2023 (PDF): In 2022-2023, $3 million was distributed to 314 public, school, academic, and institutional libraries. See how that money was used, some benefits of the funding, and how grantees said the funding helped them.

Additional Resources

Colorado Libraries Collaborate! (CLC)

Participant List - Membership in CLC is required for public and academic libraries. Check to see if your library is already a member.
Participation Agreement Form - If you are not a member, you can fill out this form to become eligible for funding.

Funding Allocation Charts

2024-2025 Projected Funding Allocation (PDF)

These list each previous grant recipient (one grant per main library jurisdiction or school district) and amount.

GAINS Support and Training

About Grants Administration Implementation and Navigation System (GAINS)
General GAINS training
GAINS training for State Grants to Libraries
- Slides on how to access GAINS and complete application (PDF)
- Webinar walk-thru of application process
GAINS access request form for public and academic libraries
Additional support for GAINS
- Application system questions: Megan Winicki, Grants Program Administration or GAINS general email
- Office Hours for the System: every Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:00 pm, hosted by CDE's GAINS team. Register for Office Hours
- One on One support: Fill out a Help Desk Ticket for assistance.

Purchasing

Eligible Purchases Checklist - Wondering whether you can purchase an item with this funding? Review this checklist of what are eligible purchases, and what are not.
Databases, E-books, and other subscriptions - special Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) pricing for vendors that offer online tools and other resources for research

Contact

Melissa Carlson, Program Manager
carlson_m@cde.state.co.us
720-737-1829

For assistance with GAINS:
General GAINS email