Federal Grant Award Summary

The Washington Secretary of State received a formula grant award of $6,032,425.76 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Grants to States program (CFDA 45.310), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This award supports the implementation of Washington State Library's Five-Year Plan for FY 2023-2027, aligned with the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) priorities. The funds will be deployed across five strategic goals: promoting economic growth and lifelong learning; preserving and sharing Washington's cultural narratives through accessible methods; providing statewide services to individuals unable to read standard print; supporting incarcerated and hospitalized populations through recovery and reentry initiatives; and developing diverse professional library staff while building capacity across the state's library system.

As the fiscal agent and coordinating body, the Washington Secretary of State will distribute these grant funds through competitive subawards and cooperative agreements with eligible public, academic, research, school, and special libraries throughout the state. The Grants to States program operates on a population-based allocation formula, enabling states to establish locally determined priorities while maintaining alignment with federal objectives. Typical eligible uses include electronic databases, computer instruction, adaptive technology, summer reading programs, digitization of special collections, bookmobile services, and targeted outreach programs serving diverse populations including children, seniors, unemployed individuals, and underserved communities.