RAILS and Western Illinois University are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Western Illinois Digital Access Mini-Grant Program. These grants are made possible by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband.
Libraries can apply for up to $500 for projects that address the digital literacy and economic development in their communities.
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
Awards: Apply for up to $500 to address digital access in your community. The following is a list of the types of projects that are eligible. This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list.
- Purchasing e-book and/or audiobooks
- Technology that supports building digital literacy skills
- Promotional efforts to help boost usage of existing digital resources
- Offering digital skill workshops or coding classes
- Building a makerspace or adding other hands-on digital learning tools
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 receipt of funds.
Restrictions: The following types of projects will not be considered:
- Individual author visits, book fairs, conference/seminars, or any other one-time events that do not correspond with an ongoing promotional effort.
- Building projects, vehicles, or purchases of furniture; please note that projects that include promotion/marketing of these materials may be considered, but funds cannot be used for construction costs or the physical materials themselves.
- Requests for reimbursement of staff-time, wages or salaries.
- Purchases of alcohol, gifts, or catering for events.
How to Apply:
To apply for this grant, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/XRke2shqX5 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