Library Enhancement Grant – Eligibility Review
Applications that meet the basic eligibility requirements will move forward to the 100-point scoring process. Minor issues or correctable deficiencies will not prevent an application from moving forward, but they may affect the application’s score.
Reviewers will assess whether the application meets the following requirements:
Eligible library: Applicant is a public, tribal, or special library located in Idaho
Eligible project: Proposed project develops or enhances library programs, services, or collections to address a specific community need or issue.
Identified community need: Application identifies a specific community need and provides sufficient information to demonstrate that the need exists.
Target audience identified: Application clearly identifies the population(s) the project is intended to serve.
Educational component: Costs must have an educational component.
LSTA alignment: Project aligns with at least one goal of the Idaho Commission for Libraries Five-Year State Plan 2023–27.
Additional funding need: Grant funds will support project needs that would otherwise be difficult for the library to meet within its current budget.
No supplanting: Grant funds will not replace existing local funding that has already been allocated or would otherwise be used for the proposed project.
Feasible project: Proposed activities can reasonably be completed within the grant period and with the requested funding.
Eligible funding purpose: Requested funds are for costs that directly support the proposed project and its intended outcomes.
Complete application: Application provides all required information, attachments and responses and meets applicable word limits and submission requirements.
Decision
Eligible – proceed to score – The application meets the requirement and follows the application instructions. It moves forward to scoring with no eligibility concerns.
Eligible with deficiencies – proceed to score – The application mostly meets the requirement. It will still move forward to scoring, but the issue may affect the score. For example, an application that is much longer or shorter than the required word limit, does not provide enough information, or does not fully answer a question may receive fewer points. Minor issues will not automatically hurt an application, but reviewers may consider how well the applicant followed the instructions when comparing applications, especially when applications are otherwise similar.
Ineligible – do not score – The application does not meet the requirement, and the issue cannot reasonably be fixed without substantially changing the project. The application is not eligible for funding.
Needs clarification before eligibility can be determined.