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Grant managers outline practical steps to win and run federal library grants
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Summary
Presenters shared step-by-step advice: keep grants.gov and SAM registrations current, read NOFO eligibility closely, assemble a team, use data to define need, check budgets twice, and build reporting plans. Speakers also recommended outside expertise for construction or complex compliance.
Speakers who have led recent federal awards gave practical, operational advice to library grant managers and state staff.
Maura Walsh (presenter) described grants as “Russian nesting dolls” and walked through a recommended process: verify grants.gov and SAM registrations, read the NOFO carefully for eligibility and deadlines, define a data-backed need, assemble a team for application tasks, use templates, and build a timeline that matches the period of performance. Walsh emphasized reviewing budgets and having another person check the math: “Check your math, and then have someone else check it again.”
Walsh and other presenters stressed the reporting burden of federal programs and recommended using templates and program officers’ office hours to clarify requirements. Walsh highlighted that some congressionally directed or set-aside grants can be easier entry points for applicants with local political support, but warned award administration can shift to other federal agencies when the money is assigned.
Stephanie Bailey White (Idaho) urged practitioners to plan for capacity gaps: Idaho contracted outside help for construction oversight and used partner evaluations to avoid duplicative reporting. She noted Idaho awarded about $3.5 million in Treasury capital-project funds to roughly 15 public libraries (awards ranged from about $5,000 to $500,000) and has distributed ESSER funds for out-of-school programming.
Speakers recommended training for grants management (Grants Management Association, Grants Professional Association, Grants Writing USA) and suggested that states prepare for variable response times from different federal program offices. The session concluded with advice to design projects for long-term impact and to be ready to adapt to partial awards or changed program rules.
Presenters encouraged attendees to use IMLS resources, attend office hours, and document decisions and reporting templates to streamline compliance and protect program outcomes.
