Current Grant Opportunities
Full descriptions and guidelines for all current grant opportunities can be found at KDLA Grants Portal.
2026 Strategic Planning Grant
This grant will provide funding to Kentucky public libraries to collaborate with a consultant in creating a 3 to 5-year strategic plan for their libraries. As a cohort, libraries will work with Stephanie Chase from Constructive Disruption to learn how to engage board members, staff, and key stakeholders in creating a strategic plan, and develop a strategic plan. All grant activities must be completed and funds spent by August 31, 2026. Apply today!
2026 Website Development and Technology Grant
This grant program is designed to support initiatives to update library websites to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and offer current technology. Priority will be given to Kentucky public libraries that 1) lack an ADA-compliant website, 2) have outdated websites requiring redesigns to enhance ADA accessibility, and 3) need to improve website functionality to keep pace with advanced technology. Secondary priorities will focus on funding the purchase of technology such as servers, phone systems, hardware, software, desktops, laptops, learning assistive devices, and translation devices. All grant activities must be completed and all funds spent by August 31, 2026. Apply today!
2026 Family Literacy Grant
The purpose of this grant is to support new and existing family literacy programs across the Commonwealth. Public Libraries are well-positioned to offer age-appropriate interactive literacy activities between parents, guardians, or caregivers. Family literacy programs will address the literacy strengths and needs of the family and community while promoting adults' involvement in children's education, recognizing adults as a powerful influence on children's academic success. Family literacy programs will model and encourage caregiver involvement in children's learning. Libraries will be required to use a formal curriculum to guide family literacy programs. All grant activities must be completed and all funds spent by May 31, 2026. Apply today!
2026 GED Testing Grant
This grant will provide funding to increase the number of Kentucky Adult Education Access Points providing GED testing throughout the Commonwealth and support the expansion of existing GED testing centers. The grant project requires that a test administrator be available to assist customers with GED testing. For small libraries, arrangements can be made where test administrators may be trained to serve several libraries through mobile testing services. All grant activities must be completed and all funds spent by May 31, 2026. Apply today!
2026 Conferences Grant
Grant funds will support Kentucky public library staff in attending library and job-related conferences that foster professional growth, keep them current on national trends, and equip them to implement new services and technologies that benefit their communities. This grant will only cover conferences taking place between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. The application will remain open until grant funds are exhausted. Apply today!
Grant Eligibility
Legally established public libraries in Kentucky that meet all the following requirements are eligible to apply for KDLA grants.
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 and Resources