Opportunity Information: Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY23
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) (CFDA 45.312). It is designed to fund projects that tackle major, field-wide challenges facing libraries and archives, with a clear emphasis on work that can influence practice beyond a single institution. The program is aimed at producing outcomes that are broadly useful to the profession and the public, such as new service models, practical tools, research results, improved professional practices, and multi-organization partnerships. A central expectation is that the results will be transferable, meaning they can be adopted, adapted, scaled, or replicated by other libraries and archives, extending the value of the federal investment.
The goals of the program focus on high-impact improvements to how libraries and archives serve communities nationwide. Projects are encouraged to strengthen the workforce and institutional capacity needed to manage the national information infrastructure and meet public education and information needs. Another priority is helping libraries and archives play stronger leadership roles in efforts tied to community well-being and civic engagement, positioning them as active contributors to local and national problem-solving rather than just service points. The program also prioritizes expanding access to information and collections, especially through collaborative approaches that reduce duplicated effort and maximize reach, which can include shared platforms, coordinated digitization strategies, interoperable tools, or cooperative service delivery. In addition, NLG-L highlights preparedness and resilience by supporting work that improves libraries ability to continue serving communities during and after emergencies or disasters. Finally, it promotes stronger cross-sector collaboration among libraries, archives, and museums, reflecting a broader cultural heritage ecosystem where shared approaches can better serve the public.
The application process is structured in two phases, and every applicant must start with Phase I. Phase I requires a preliminary proposal submitted by the deadline listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, which for this cycle is September 21 (as referenced in the opportunity description). Only applicants selected from Phase I are invited to proceed to Phase II, which involves submitting a full proposal. For this 2023 opportunity, invited full proposals are due March 17, 2023, which is also reflected as the original closing date in the source data. An important procedural detail is that applicants must submit materials to the correct phase in Grants.gov; submissions uploaded to the wrong phase will not be accepted by the system, so careful attention to the phase-specific application package is essential.
In terms of funding scale and competitiveness, the opportunity lists an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000 and anticipates making approximately 38 awards. The funding instrument is a grant, and the opportunity is categorized under Arts and Humanities, consistent with the program focus on strengthening library and archival services and stewardship of information and collections. Eligibility is summarized as "Others" in the source data, but applicants are instructed to consult the official Notice of Funding Opportunity for the detailed eligibility rules and requirements, which is where IMLS typically defines which organization types may apply, any partnership expectations, and any constraints related to project scope, period of performance, and allowable costs.Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY23
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services in the arts, humanities sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2023)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.312.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2022-07-07.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-03-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 38 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) - FAQs
What is the National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program?
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) (CFDA 45.312). It supports projects that address major, field-wide challenges facing libraries and archives, with an emphasis on producing results that can influence practice beyond a single institution.
Who administers this grant opportunity?
This program is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The program is identified as CFDA 45.312.
What types of projects does NLG-L fund?
NLG-L funds projects designed to tackle major challenges facing libraries and archives at a field-wide level. The focus is on work that can shape or improve professional practice across many organizations, not just within the applicant institution.
What kinds of outcomes are expected from funded projects?
Expected outcomes include results that are broadly useful to the profession and the public, such as new service models, practical tools, research results, improved professional practices, and multi-organization partnerships.
What does it mean that results must be "transferable"?
A central expectation is that project results will be transferable, meaning they can be adopted, adapted, scaled, or replicated by other libraries and archives. This is intended to extend the value of the federal investment beyond the original project team.
Is the program meant to benefit only one institution?
No. The program emphasizes work that can influence practice beyond a single institution and produce outcomes that others can use or replicate.
What are the main goals of the NLG-L program?
The program goals center on high-impact improvements to how libraries and archives serve communities nationwide. Projects are encouraged to strengthen the workforce and institutional capacity needed to manage the national information infrastructure and meet public education and information needs.
How does the program support workforce and institutional capacity?
Projects are encouraged to strengthen the workforce and the institutional capacity required to manage the national information infrastructure and meet public education and information needs.
Does the program support community well-being and civic engagement efforts?
Yes. A program priority is helping libraries and archives play stronger leadership roles connected to community well-being and civic engagement, positioning them as active contributors to local and national problem-solving.
Does NLG-L prioritize expanding access to information and collections?
Yes. The program prioritizes expanding access to information and collections, especially through collaborative approaches that reduce duplicated effort and maximize reach.
What are examples of collaborative approaches the program highlights?
Examples mentioned include shared platforms, coordinated digitization strategies, interoperable tools, and cooperative service delivery.
Does the program address emergency preparedness and resilience?
Yes. NLG-L highlights preparedness and resilience by supporting work that improves libraries' ability to continue serving communities during and after emergencies or disasters.
Does the program encourage collaboration across libraries, archives, and museums?
Yes. NLG-L promotes stronger cross-sector collaboration among libraries, archives, and museums, reflecting a broader cultural heritage ecosystem.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The opportunity lists an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000.
How many awards does IMLS expect to make?
The opportunity anticipates making approximately 38 awards.
What is the opportunity category?
The opportunity is categorized under Arts and Humanities, consistent with strengthening library and archival services and stewardship of information and collections.
Is the application process multi-phase?
Yes. The application process is structured in two phases, and every applicant must start with Phase I.
What is required in Phase I?
Phase I requires a preliminary proposal submitted by the deadline listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). For this cycle, the opportunity description references a Phase I deadline of September 21.
What happens after Phase I?
Only applicants selected from Phase I are invited to proceed to Phase II, which involves submitting a full proposal.
When are Phase II full proposals due for the 2023 opportunity?
For this 2023 opportunity, invited full proposals are due March 17, 2023. This date is also reflected as the original closing date in the source data.
Do applicants submit both Phase I and Phase II applications through Grants.gov?
Yes. Applicants must submit materials through Grants.gov and must use the correct phase-specific application package.
What happens if an application is submitted to the wrong phase in Grants.gov?
Submissions uploaded to the wrong phase will not be accepted by the system. Applicants need to ensure they are using the correct phase-specific application package in Grants.gov.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is summarized as "Others" in the source data. Applicants are instructed to consult the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for detailed eligibility rules and requirements, which typically define eligible organization types and any constraints or expectations.
Where can applicants find the detailed eligibility requirements and rules?
Applicants should consult the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which is where IMLS typically provides detailed eligibility rules, partnership expectations, and any constraints related to project scope, period of performance, and allowable costs.
What kinds of partnership expectations might be included?
The opportunity indicates that multi-organization partnerships are among the outcomes the program supports, and it notes that the NOFO is where IMLS typically defines partnership expectations and related requirements.
What is the overall emphasis of the program?
The overall emphasis is on high-impact, field-wide improvements and results that can be reused by other libraries and archives, extending benefits beyond a single institution and maximizing the reach of federal investment.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NLG LIBRARIES FY23) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| American Latino Museum Internship and Fellowship Initiative (2024) Apply for ALIF FY24 Funding Number: ALIF FY24 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2024) Apply for NAG BASIC FY24 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY24 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| 21st Century Museum Professionals Program (2024) Apply for 21MP FY24 Funding Number: 21MP FY24 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2024) Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY24 Funding Number: NAG HAWAIIAN FY24 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants (2024) Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY24 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY24 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Sparks! Ignition Grants for Museums Apply for SPARKS MUSEUM FY16 Funding Number: SPARKS MUSEUM FY16 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants Program Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY16 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY16 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Ukraine: U.S. Government Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program – Culture and Youth Projects Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2020 003 Funding Number: PAS UKRAINE 2020 003 Agency: U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Poland Grants Program - U.S. Culture Apply for WAW NOFO FY21 03 Funding Number: WAW NOFO FY21 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to Poland Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2025) Apply for LB21 FY25 Funding Number: LB21 FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2025) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY25 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| 21st Century Museum Professionals Program (2025) Apply for 21MP FY25 Funding Number: 21MP FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Museums for America (2025) Apply for MFA FY25 Funding Number: MFA FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Museums (2025) Apply for NLG M FY25 Funding Number: NLG M FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Inspire! Grants for Small Museums (2025) Apply for IGSM FY25 Funding Number: IGSM FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2025) Apply for AAHC FY25 Funding Number: AAHC FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2025) Apply for NANH FY25 Funding Number: NANH FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Museums Empowered (2025) Apply for ME FY25 Funding Number: ME FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2025) Apply for ALHC FY25 Funding Number: ALHC FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2025) Apply for NAG BASIC FY25 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY25 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $10,000 |
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