Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services

To support existing library operations, maintain core library services, and to carry out activities that advance the programs and services of eligible Native American and Native Hawaiian libraries. This is accomplished through Native American Library Services Basic Grants, Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants, and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants.

Native American Library Services Basic Grants focus on improving existing library services through supporting the purchase of subscriptions, memberships, books, e-books, media, supplies, computers, peripherals, and internet access; professional development for library staff; and the development youth, literacy, job-training, and community programming. Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants advance library programs and services in Preservation and Revitalization, Educational Programming, and Digital Services by supporting activities such as cultural, literacy, and skill-based workshops; mentoring programs; expanding public access to cultural archival materials and community records; and facilitating audio and video interviews with elders and community leaders.

An applicant to FY2021 Native American Library Services Basic or Enhancement program must be an Indian tribe, meaning any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska native village, regional corporation, or village, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. An applicant to FY2021 Native Hawaiian Library Services must be a nonprofit organization that primarily serves and represents Native Hawaiians. The term "Native Hawaiian" refers to an individual who is a citizen of the United States and a descendant of the aboriginal people who, before 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the area that now comprises the State of Hawaii.

Grant funds must be used for the purposes outlined in the Notices of Funding Opportunity, and in accordance with the Institute of Museum and Library Services General Terms and Conditions. Examples of allowable costs for Native American Library Services Basic Grants include library personnel salaries, wages, and fringe benefits; library materials, supplies, and equipment; public program presenter stipends, after-school tutoring services, consultants, internet access; fees for participation in library networks and consortia; professional development costs; and consultant services. Examples of allowable costs for Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants include personnel salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for project staff; travel expenses for key project staff and consultants; materials, supplies, software, and equipment related directly to project activities; equipment to improve collections storage and exhibit environments; third-party costs; publication design and printing; staff and volunteer training; internships/fellowships; and indirect or overhead costs.

Native American Library Services Basic Grants: Projects must begin on August 1, 2021, and project activities may be carried out for one year. Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants: Projects must begin on September 1, 2021, and project activities may be carried out for one to two years. Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants: Projects must begin on September 1, 2021, and project activities may be carried out for one to two years

1. Ensure that required registrations are active and user names and passwords are in place. 2. Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity carefully to get all the information required for applying. 3. Compose the complete application, using resources available through www.imls.gov (e.g. live and on-demand webinars, instructions, Sample Applications, Outcome Based Evaluations, Shaping Outcomes tutorial, Reviewer Resources). 4. Contact an IMLS staff member to ask any questions about the application and review process. 5. Submit the application via Grants.gov by the deadline.

Native American Library Services Basic Grants are non-competitive awards available to eligible applicants. Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants are competitive grant programs. Successful proposals are structured to support individuals' needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, and digital literacy skills; improve the quality of and access to library and information services; and enhance the skills of the current library workforce and leadership.

Native American Library Services Basic Grants are non-competitive awards available to eligible applicants to support existing library operations and to maintain core library services. IMLS makes awards to eligible applicants that submit complete applications, including attachments, through Grants.gov, on or before the deadline. Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants use a peer review process. Peer reviewers evaluate all eligible and complete applications according to the review criteria listed in the NOFO. Reviewers are professionals in the field with relevant knowledge and expertise in the types of project activities identified in the applications. Peer reviewers must comply with IMLS's Federal ethics and conflicts of interest requirements. The Director makes final funding decisions consistent with the purposes of the agency's mission and programs.

Native American Library Services Basic Grants: IMLS will notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants of funding decisions by email in July 2021. Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants: IMLS will not release information about the status of an application until the applications have been reviewed and all deliberations are concluded. IMLS expects to notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants of the final decisions by email by August 2021.

IMLS may extend particular grants at the discretion of the Director.

Native American Library Services Basic Grants: IMLS invites unsuccessful applicants to consult with IMLS staff about their applications. Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants: IMLS provides copies of reviewer comments and scores to all unsuccessful applicants and invite them to consult with specific IMLS staff when determining whether to revise the proposal and submit it again to IMLS or another funding agency.