Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant

Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (administered by the Tennessee Secretary of State's office). Helps county public libraries expand technology access and digital literacy services for residents. Funds can be used for computers, tablets, public-use technology, internet infrastructure, and digital literacy instruction.

Grants for Public Libraries | Tennessee Secretary of State Click Here to View Unofficial Election Results. Grants for Public Libraries Below is a list of grants for Public Libraries in Tennessee Download the Grant Handbook : The Tennessee Public Library Grant Handbook has been created to help public libraries manage their grants effectively.

It includes information on contracts, changes, reimbursement procedures, and other elements of the grant process. Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grants: The Tennessee State Library and Archives is pleased to provide a grant opportunity to public libraries across Tennessee. This grant is supported by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

The Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant is available for public libraries to be able to provide services for their communities. Grant funds are available for the following: Grant awards are in the amount of up to $20,000. 00.

Grant contracts will start on July 1, 2026, and end on April 30, 2027, which will allow the use of grant funds for purchases from July 1st forward, even though a fully signed contract will not be in place until later if the financial processes allow for that. Please be aware however, no grant payments will be processed until the contract is in place.

Match requirements are according to population served and those populations will be taken from the OSAP from 2025/2026 as that is the last OSAP that has been approved and signed: Up to 9,999 5% local match 10,000 to 49,000 10% local match 49,001 and up 20% local match Please note: All libraries participating in this grant must provide digital literacy training to the public.

Applicants that do not request funds for training will be required to document at least 4 public digital literacy classes held during the grant period. To apply, please click on the link above. For questions, please contact Jennifer Cowan-Henderson .

2027 TOP Grant Worksheet. xlsx 2027 TOP Grant Application - Not for Submission 2027 TOP Grant Application. docx Financial Certification.

docx Secretary of State Tre Hargett promotes the advancement of public library services in Tennessee in many ways. Among them is providing funds for public library construction. These funds are available via a competitive grant process, and can be used for new construction, additions and extensive renovations.

Construction Grant Application Technology Grants: These grants are open to any public library in Tennessee for the purchase of technology for use in the library. This is a 50/50 matching grant, which means that for every grant dollar received, a matching local dollar is required.

This is a reimbursement grant, so as the grantee receives applicable invoices for purchases made, the State will reimburse half of each until the grant award has been met.

Applications will be rated based on need and the applicant’s ability to meet or exceed the following terms and conditions: Are a recognized public library by TSLA; Are currently in compliance with Children’s Internet Protection Act; Follow the grant application procedures and meet grant application deadlines; Demonstrate a clear ability and designated personnel to administer the grant responsibly; Present realistic cost/funding estimates under $20,000.

00 for the grant objective; Offer well-focused, specific project proposals that identify specific objects or supplies to be procured, that concentrate on promoting technology in the public library for the staff and the public. Internet Safety Certification Certification on Indirect Cost 2027 Minimum Specifications 2027 Minimum Specifications. docx 2027 Tech Grant Application (working draft only) 2027 Tech Grant Application.

docx Tech Grant Worksheet. xlsx Federal funding for libraries is made possible through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Through LSTA legislation, all fifty State Library Agencies, the District of Columbia, and U.

S. territories, receive annual appropriations using a population-based formula.

The statutory language of LSTA stipulates that the State Library Agency shall expend the funds for: expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages; developing library services that provide all users access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks; providing electronic and other linkages among and between all types of libraries; developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations; targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; and targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty level.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives uses its annual LSTA appropriation to support statewide library initiatives which benefit all types of libraries, such as the Tennessee Electronic Library and SHAREit, a statewide library catalog which promotes resource sharing.

Federal funds also support the development of technology infrastructure in public libraries through grants for hardware and software and through ongoing technology assistance to small and medium-sized public libraries.

In addition, federal funds are used to supplement public library services to the disadvantaged, e.g. job training centers in libraries, family literacy initiatives, and outreach to senior citizens, and to supplement the ongoing services of the Library for Accessible Books and Media .