Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Funding for Libraries

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Grant Opportuniti​​es

2026 Continuing Education Grant

The Continuing Education Grant is made possible by funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This grant aligns with KDLA's five-year strategic plan to enhance the knowledge and skills of public library and archival staff through professional development and training opportunities. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives - Library Services and Technology Act Plan (2023-2027).  The Continuing Education Subgrant aims to provide essential funding to Kentucky's public libraries, enabling them to expand and enhance their staff's learning opportunities

KDLA has allocated $50,000 for this grant. Final award amounts will be determined using a tiered system based on the number of full-time library staff as reported in the most recently published Annual Report of Kentucky Public Libraries. Eligible expenses include the following: fees associated with conferences, webinars, classes, or training; travel to and from conferences including (mileage, parking fees, plane tickets, and rental cars); tuition costs and related school fees; materials such as textbooks, e-books, CDs, software, etc.)

Applications are available June 2, 2025 - August 1, 2025, through the KDLA Grants Portal. Please read the 2025 - 2026 KDLA Grant Program Guidelines before applying. 


Grant Eligibility

Legally established public libraries in Kentucky that meet all the following requirements are eligible to apply for KDLA grants.
KDLA’s Public Library Determination. Additionally, libraries must comply with the following:
1. have a UEI number and SAM.gov (System for Award Management) registration. Information on how to check the status or obtain a UEI number may be found at SAM.gov | Duns - Sam UEI,
2. have a library director who is properly certified by the Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians; and
3. be in good standing with the Department for Local Government.

KDLA Grants Portal 

KDLA uses the grants portal to manage grants and applications.  Technical and login assistance for the grants portal can be found at the Submittable Support Desk  We recommend that applicants view the following training: Getting Started as a New Applicant.​


Other Grant Resources

The following document has been provided to assist public libraries in locating funds for projects. Grants and awards are updated at least quarterly. Recommendations or corrections to the document can be emailed to Dena Ratliff Warren at dratliffwarren@ky.gov.

Toolkit 

The following toolkit provides libraries with tips for grant writing and templates that are involved in planning, applying for, and managing grants:​

Training Videos