State Library of Ohio Library Services and Technology Act Open Grants

The State Library of Ohio offers the LSTA Open Grant Program to support libraries in developing innovative and creative projects that directly meet specific needs within their communities. The purpose of the grant is to allow libraries the flexibility to design proposals that align with the goals of the State Library’s LSTA Five-Year Plan. This grant program is designed not only to support new initiatives or services that may otherwise be financially unfeasible but also to ensure that proposed projects contribute to advancing statewide priorities in library service. The Open Grant program allows applications to be submitted at any time throughout the year. However, awards are processed according to two fixed 6-month cycles. Applications received from January 1 to June 30 are evaluated in July, with awards announced by mid-August. These funded projects begin on September 1 and must conclude, with all funds expended, by February 28. Applications submitted from July 1 to December 31 are evaluated in January, announced in mid-February, and result in project periods running from March 1 to August 31. Each grant term is strictly limited to six months, and no extensions are granted. The Open Grant is a competitive funding opportunity. No more than six proposals are funded per cycle, and a single library, system, school district, or institution may only receive one Open Grant per cycle. Furthermore, applicants are ineligible to receive funding in two consecutive cycles. All proposals are reviewed by a team of State Library staff members who assess the applications based on the clarity and strength of the responses to required questions, the relevance of supporting documentation, and alignment with LSTA Five-Year Plan goals. The State Librarian makes the final funding decision based on the team’s recommendations and the availability of funds. Applicants can request up to $4,999.00 in federal funding per proposal. No local matching funds are required. The funds must be used to support new services or projects and may not be used for operational expenses. Each proposal must include a completed proposed budget form and cost documentation, such as vendor quotes, website screenshots, or shopping cart estimates. Optional attachments like letters of support, partnership statements, or timelines may also be submitted to strengthen the proposal. The application requires answers to five key questions: identifying the need or problem, describing the project activities, connecting the project to LSTA goals, detailing expected outcomes and evaluation strategies, and outlining plans to market or promote the project. Responses are limited to 250 words per question. Proposals are accepted online, and further details can be found in the Open Grant FAQ. For more information, the State Library of Ohio can be contacted at 614-644-7061 or visited at 274 E. First Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201.