Current Grant Opportunities
KDLA grant funding opportunities, guidelines and applications can be found at the grants portal. Technical and login assistance for the grants portal can be found at the Submittable Support Desk.
2025 Website Development Grant
This grant is designed to support libraries that either lack a website or have outdated websites that require redesigns to improve accessibility and keep pace with evolving technology. Libraries should use the Kentucky Public Library Standards to guide website development and design decisions. Grant projects should result in a website with the components outlined in the 2025 Website Development Grant Guidelines. The following documents have been prepared to assist applicants with this project.
GED Testing Center Grant
This grant will provide funding to increase the number of Kentucky Adult Education Access Points providing GED testing throughout the Commonwealth. All libraries are encouraged to apply for this grant, however, KYAE has identified the following counties that need increased access to GED testing:
Ballard, Barren, Boone, Bullitt, Caldwell, Carlisle, Christian, Clay, Daviess, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Hardin, Harlan, Hickman, Jefferson, Kenton, Knox, Larue, Laurel, Madison, Marion, Metcalfe, Owen, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Shelby, Trigg, Warren, and Whitley.
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. Please read the full 2025 GED Testing Center Grant Guidelines and view the Information Session before applying!
Family Literacy Grant
Through this grant, we aim to increase access to family literacy programs across the Commonwealth. For the purpose of this grant, “family literacy" includes reading, writing, and math instruction for caregivers and children. It also encompasses academic and parenting support for caregivers, developmentally appropriate activities for children, and structured opportunities for joint learning between caregivers and children. Please read the full 2025 Family Literacy Grant Guidelines before applying!
2025 Conferences Grant
This 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 increase institutional capacity by providing funding for public library staff in Kentucky to participate in in-person job-related conferences. Applications are available from November 1, 2024, through August 30, 2025 or until funding is exhausted. Libraries may submit one application per conference request. Please read the full guidelines before applying. 2025 Conferences Grant Guidelines
2025 Special Project Grant
This grant program is designed to support existing and new community-driven library initiatives in areas of technology or programs serving adults. Applicants must cite evidence of a legitimate library need and demonstrate how funds will used to meet the need or lead to improved library services for Kentucky residents ages 18 years and older. The following topics are possible areas of focus that fall within the grant purposes.
- enable libraries to develop programs for underserved or special needs populations,
- promote cooperative services for learning, education, and workforce development,
- promote reading and literacy within local communities,
- provide money for innovative adult programs and services,
- provide access to information and special or unique holdings,
- promote digital services and equity.
To apply for these grants go to the KDLA grants portal. Technical and login assistance for the grants portal can be found at the Submittable Support Desk.
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.
Grants Available to Libraries in KY (Google doc)
The following toolkit provides libraries with tips for grant writing and templates that are involved in planning, applying for, and managing grants:
Grants Made Easy Toolkit