Pacific Library Partnership
FY 2025-26 Innovation and Technology Grant Program
Background
Each fiscal year through a competitive process, the Pacific Library Partnership awards grants to PLP libraries to support innovation, technology and access. Grants are typically awarded in two categories: Innovation and Technology Opportunity Grants, and the Grant Replication Program.
The purpose of the grants is to support a new idea, program or vision, which can then be replicated by other libraries.
For FY 2025-26, the grant amounts awarded may vary, with a maximum award of $9,000. The total amount of available funds is $90,000.
Guidelines for Award
1. Both PLP academic and public libraries are eligible to apply for the grant.
2. A library may submit more than one application, but awards will be limited to one project per organization per fiscal year.
3. All applications must be reviewed and signed by the submitting organization’s Library Director.
4. A panel of reviewers outside of PLP will review all applications and rank them. Awards will be based on these recommendations. The PLP CEO and Executive Committee may work with libraries to modify their applications, and they will make the final award determinations.
5. Only projects that have a timeline of completion within the fiscal year applied will be considered.
6. All funds awarded must be expended by June 30 of the fiscal year awarded. Should the library experience an unforeseen circumstance which may require additional time, they may contact PLP administration to discuss an extension.
7. Any unspent funds at the completion of the project must be returned to PLP.
8. Successful awardees will be asked to complete a final report at the conclusion of the grant cycle and must be willing to share their experience with other PLP libraries at appropriate meetings and conferences.
Funding Limits
Each grant application may not exceed $9,000.
Allowable Costs
Funds awarded may be used for goods or services related to the project or for staff time. No more than 25% of the total amount awarded may be used for staffing costs. Indirect costs are not allowed.
Category A: PLP Innovation and Technology Opportunity Grant Program Funds will be available to implement an idea, program or vision that provides a new service model or brings a fresh idea or interpretation to an existing model of library service. Reviewers will be asked to evaluate applications based on these criteria:
1. Service that introduces a new idea, program or vision that is not currently used in PLP or surrounding libraries
2. Service that may benefit other PLP members
3. Service that may benefit other California libraries
Category B: PLP Grant Replication Program
There have been a significant number of very successful grants that can easily be replicated in another jurisdiction. All the previously funded grants are posted on the PLP website at plpinfo.org and applicants are encouraged to review the past successful awardees. To view the previous grants, click here: http://plpinfo.org/innovation-grants/ Reviewers will be asked to evaluate applications based on these criteria:
1. Clear articulation of how the grant will be replicated.
2. Rationale for any changes or enhancements to the original grant application. It is expected that the grant funding request will not exceed the amount of the original grant. If it does exceed the original amount, a compelling case should be made for the increase in funding.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the concept, success and “lessons learned” from the original grant and documentation of any follow-up with the original awardee.
Review Panel
The PLP CEO will recruit a three-person panel from outside of PLP to review funding applications and provide feedback on the proposals.
Timeline
Grant applications are due on Monday, September 22, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Grant materials should be submitted to [email protected]
Note: Successful awardees will be asked to complete an evaluation/survey process at the conclusion of the grant cycle and must be willing to share their experience with other PLP libraries at appropriate meetings and conferences.