The Mid-Hudson Library System is offering two grant opportunities to our member libraries in 2023, the MHLS Assistive Equipment Mini-Grant and the MHLS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grant. These grants are supported by New York State Outreach Categorical Aid funds received from the NYS Library Division of Library Development and in support of the MHLS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

Recipients of the 2023 mini-grants have been notified. All funds must be spent by November 1, 2023. Funds will be disbursed following satisfactory completion of the Grant Closing Report. Grant Closing Reports are due by November 6, 2023.

• MHLS Assistive Equipment Mini-Grant Closing Report
• MHLS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grant Closing Report
  • If your library qualifies for a Project Check-in Report in lieu of a Grant Closing Report please contact kcruger@midhudson.org to receive the link to the report form.

Member libraries may apply for both the EDI Mini-Grant and Assistive Equipment Mini-Grant in the same year, but they must apply for funding for different projects for each opportunity.

MHLS Assistive Equipment Mini-Grant

Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) member libraries that are interested in purchasing new equipment, software or contract services to improve library services for coordinated outreach populations of people who are blind or who have a physical disability can apply for the MHLS Assistive Equipment Mini Grant.

The following grants are available:

• Fifteen (15) grants in the amount of $1,200 each. This is a competitive grant. One grant per library.

Eligible Costs:

• New Equipment or software (examples: auxiliary aids and assistive technology such as ZoomText Magnifier/Reader; CCTV/Video Magnifier; FM Assistive Listening System, SOGO, ReciteMe, etc.)
• New Contracts for assistive services (examples: sign-language interpretive services at public programs, ADA assessment of a facility, )

Ineligible Costs:

• Existing license(s) or contract renewals
• Reimbursement of previously purchased equipment, software or services
• Books or printed materials
• Staff salaries, furniture, construction, or alterations to the library facility

Requirements:

• Funds must be used toward the purchase of new equipment, software or contract services to improve library services for the outreach target group indicated in the application in populations of people who are blind or who have a physical disability.
• Costs must be equal to or greater than the amount of grant funds awarded.
• Funds must be spent between June 1, 2023 and November 1, 2023.
• Funded libraries will be required to complete a grant closing report.

To Apply:

• Fill out and submit the online application and send the authentication form by email, kcruger@midhudson.org or through the delivery to MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist, Kerstin Cruger. Applications are due June 30, 2023. Recipients will be announced no later than July 2023. Funds will be disbursed following satisfactory completion of the Grant Closing Report.

MHLS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grant

Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) member libraries that are interested in advancing equity and inclusion work to improve library services for their communities are invited to apply for the MHLS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grant. This grant is in support of MHLS’ commitment to ensuring library services are equitable, respect the diversity of our communities, and are inclusive. For definitions of equity, diversity and inclusion please view the ODLOS glossary.

Member libraries applying for the MHLS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grant will need to demonstrate how your proposed project will invest in and support the work of promoting and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in your library and the impact on your community. Examples of potential projects could include but are not limited to:

• developing accessible and/or responsive library collections and programs for underrepresented/underserved populations*
• promoting inclusivity in library collections through audits, weeding, and inclusive collection development
• anti-racism programming and training for staff or community members
• multicultural and heritage programming
• staff training that strengthens diversity, equity, and inclusion practices

* Underrepresented/underserved populations: People who are underrepresented and/or experience barriers to access/use of services due to geographic location, economic status, language barriers, disabilities, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity.

The following grants are available:

• Twenty (20) grants in the amount of $1,000 each. This is a competitive grant. One grant per library.

Eligible Costs:

• Contracts for programs/trainers/tutors/assistive services
• Library materials
• Project equipment
• Project supplies
• Project publicity
• Other purposes directly related to project success

Ineligible Costs:

• Staff salaries
• Furniture
• Construction, or alterations to the library facility

Requirements:

• Costs must be equal to or greater than the amount of grant funds awarded.
• Funds must be spent between June 1, 2023 and November 1, 2023 however the grant project may be held for a longer period.
• Funded libraries will be required to complete a grant closing report*.

To Apply:

• Fill out and submit the online application and send the authentication form by email. kcruger@midhudson.org or through the delivery to MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist, Kerstin Cruger. Applications are due June 30, 2023. Recipients will be announced no later than July 2023. Funds will be disbursed following satisfactory completion of the Grant Closing Report. *

*If the grant project extends beyond the November 1^st deadline, this must be outlined in the library’s proposed timeline, a Project Check-in Report will be substituted for the Grant Closing Report to trigger the release of funds. However, all funds must be spent by November 1^st regardless of the project timeline.