[CAQs listed below were updated August 1, 2023] Below you will find commonly-asked questions as well as other resources to support your application to the Community Collections Grant program as an individual. You can find the application materials for this program on the Of the People website:
Help Understanding this Funding Opportunity and Application Process
- Review the summary information about the grant opportunity for a quick overview.
- Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity fully and carefully to plan your application. The notice contains detailed guidance about application requirements.
- Additional help is available by
- Reviewing the Commonly Asked Questions below.
- Send specific questions to the Library’s grant officer at [email protected]. Answers will be provided in the CAQs below as updates.
- Answers to submitted questions will be provided publicly to ensure equitable access to information for all applicants.
- Register to attend an informational webinar:
- “How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal” [updated Aug. 28, 2019] Published by the Congressional Research Service (Library of Congress), this guide covers writing proposals for both government and private foundation grants. In this report, applicants can find a full spectrum of information, including guidance on the actual writing of a proposal (from outlining project goals to developing the proposal budget) as well as information on helpful resources and a listing of free grants-writing websites.
Dates to Note
- July 15, 2022. Questions about applying for this funding opportunity may be submitted until 5:00 p.m. on the date identified here. No questions will be accepted after this date. See Section D.2 in the NOFO (Questions and Answers) for more information.
- August 1, 2022. Applications for this funding opportunity are due by 12:00 p.m. (noon ET) on the date identified here. See Section D.3 Application Package and Submission Requirements for more information.
Using the Notice of Funding Opportunity (“the Notice”) as a Planning Tool
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (the “Notice”) states application requirements organized across distinct sections. Each section is important and provides detailed information and definitions related to specific aspects of the application process:
- Sec. A: Program Description giving background, the purpose of the grant, program expectations and deliverables, and an overview of the selection process. ***
- Sec. B: Federal Award Information summarizes key elements of the opportunity including the period of performance, estimated start date, and estimated funds available and number of awards.
- Sec. C: Eligibility Requirements details both who may apply for the grant and other conditions affecting a satisfactory application.
- Sec. D: Application and Submission Information gives a full description of the needed elements of the application itself, including project proposal information, project budget information, and required forms, as well as details on when and how to submit the application package itself. ***
- Sec. E: Application Review and Award describes how an application will be evaluated and how the Library will notify successful applicants. ***
*** While all information is important to the purpose, requirements, and expectations of the grant program, these three (3) sections are critical to helping applicants plan, outline, and create their grant proposal.
The Notice also provides information regarding expectations of grant management and legal considerations that will apply if the Library awards a grant to an applicant, including:
- Sec. F: Project Management and Reporting summarizes the Library’s expectations of an awardee including project planning, interim and final reporting, and communications with the Library’s program team.