RAILS and Western Illinois University are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Western Illinois Chromebook Lending Grants. These grants are made possible by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband.
About the Grant:
This grant is part of the DCEO Broadband READY initiative to increase broadband usage in underserved communities across Illinois. Here is the DCEO Broadband READY website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/ConnectIllinois/Pages/BroadbandREADY.aspx.
Key Details:
Eligibility: All RAILS public libraries in the following counties are eligible to apply:
- Adams
- Brown
- Hancock
- Henderson
- Knox
- McDonough
- Pike
- Schuyler
- Warren
Grant Recipients: Each successful recipient will receive up to 4 (four) LTE-enabled Chromebooks. This grant covers the cost of the Chromebooks, data subscriptions, and technical support. Because these are LTE-enabled Chromebooks, borrowers can even use these devices in places without Wi-Fi access.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 pm Central
Selection Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on need and the ability to promote their program to the community.
Grant Period: The grants are intended to last up to one year from the date of receipt of the Chromebooks.
Restrictions: None.
How to Apply:
To apply for this grant, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/SpKBktdqtr and complete the online application form. Make sure to review the restrictions thoroughly before submitting your application.
Grant Contact:
For more information about the grant, please contact:
Dan Bostrom
Director of Marketing & Communications
RAILS
Burr Ridge Office
630.734.5152
dan.bostrom@railslibraries.org