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2026-2027 LSTA Digital Literacy and Access

Grantor:
CA State Library
Portal ID:
164847
Status:
Active
Opportunity Type:
  • Grant
Last Updated:
Categories:

Details

Purpose:

Public libraries provide access to digital resources and the skills to safely use those resources, which are key components of the Broadband for All Initiative. The goals of this opportunity are to help libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities.

Description:

California public library jurisdictions can apply for grant funding to support the following activities:

Digital navigation services for library users.

Digital literacy training and classes for library users.

AI and/or internet safety classes or programs for library users.

Allowable expenditures:

Staff time to co-design, coordinate, and implement digital literacy and access programs and services.

Supplies to support digital literacy and access programs, including devices such as laptops, computers, projectors, and tablets. Projects that include the purchase of devices that can connect to and browse the internet must be conducted in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Services from community organizations, including workshops and presentations about digital literacy and access. Participation by library workers in professional development opportunities to gain knowledge and skills around digital literacy and access.

Outreach and promotion of project programs and services.

Evaluation of project activities and outcomes.

Additional allowable expenditures to help libraries and communities achieve the project goals of improving access to high-speed broadband and improving digital literacy in their communities.

Please note that if grant funds will be used to pay for a service from a community organization or organizations, those organization(s) cannot be considered as a partner in the application.

Refer to the application instructions for full details about allowable and unallowable costs.

The digital literacy and access LSTA-funded projects meet Goal 4 of the California Library Services and Technology Act Investment Plan 2023–2027 (PDF): Strengthen resource-sharing and access to information, services, and opportunity with an emphasis on local community strengths and challenges.

Applicants should have at least one community connection in place before submitting an application.

California library workers funded through this opportunity will commit to the following:

Attend virtual Community of Practice sessions to meet with other grantees and share best practices.

Attend virtual one-on-one progress meetings on a quarterly basis where the State Library team will provide support to grantees.

Report data to the State Library related to the goals of the program, which are to help libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities. Reporting requirements will include information required by the federal government and the State Library. Data may include program attendance, outcome survey results, and measurements about improved access to broadband. Reporting information will be provided at the start of the project period.

The digital literacy and access LSTA-funded projects meet Goal 4 of the California Library Services and Technology Act Investment Plan 2023–2027 (PDF): Strengthen resource-sharing and access to information, services, and opportunity with an emphasis on local community strengths and challenges.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

  • Public Agency

California public library jurisdictions may apply for funding.

Complete eligibility requirements are available on the 2026-27 LSTA Digital Literacy and Access webpage and the LSTA Handbook - Eligibility Requirements webpage.

Eligible Geographies:

Grant opportunity is limited to California.

Matching Funding Requirement:

Applicants are expected to contribute a local match to the grant funds in the form of a cash match and/or in-kind contributions. A match is expected, but no minimum amount is required.

Important Dates

The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight.
The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant.
Summer 2026
The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized.
9/1/2026 - 6/30/2027

Funding Details

The total projected dollar amount of the grant.
$250,000
A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent.
No
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source.
No
The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number.
  • Federal and State

Funding Source Notes:

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants are federally funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and are awarded by the State Library to eligible California libraries, library consortia, and library-focused non-profit organization.

The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly).
  • Advance(s)

Funding Method Notes:

A typical payment schedule is 50% upon execution of the agreement and the State Library’s receipt of the awardee’s claim form; 40% upon the State Library’s receipt of the first quarter report; and 10% upon receipt of final reporting forms and any unexpended funds. Project funds may take from 6 to 8 weeks to arrive following the State Library’s receipt and approval of a complete claim form.

How to Apply

State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.

Resources

For questions about this grant, contact:
1-916-603-7129, broadband@library.ca.gov

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