State Library of Ohio Library Services and Technology Act Open Grants

The State Library of Ohio LSTA Open Grant program is designed to support libraries in addressing a specific need within their community while helping the State Library achieve the goals outlined in the State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Five-Year Plan. Applicants submitting proposals should be prepared to describe the need they intend to address, the benefits of the proposed project, how the project’s benefits and impact will be measured, and the connection to the State Library’s LSTA goals. Recognizing that each library knows its community best, the LSTA Open Grant program gives applicants flexibility in the development of their projects. The intention is that applicants will be innovative and creative; proposing projects that might not be feasible without LSTA grant support. Open Grant awards are intended to support new initiatives or services. They are not intended for existing operational expenses. Applying libraries may request no more than $4,999.00 in federal funds. No local matching funds are required for Open Grants. Applications may be submitted at any time, though applications will be processed and funds will be awarded based on when the application is received. All proposals will be reviewed by a team of State Library staff who will recommend funding based on the strength of the answers to the application questions, supporting documentation, and the relationship to the State Library of Ohio's LSTA Five-Year Plan. Project funding is contingent upon recommendation of the reviewers and the availability of funds. Proposals that the review team approves will be recommended to the State Librarian for funding. The State Librarian has the final say in funding. Opportunity number: SLO 02. Funds are provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program and are beholden to all applicable laws and guidelines.

Last confirmed Oct 12, 2026 · Ohio