NY CARES Act Funding Opportunity

IMLS has provided the New York State Library with $1,757,794 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds through the LSTA Grants to States Program. The State Library has allocated $1,409,357 of these federal funds to New York State’s 23 public library systems and PLS is allocated to receive $38,005 of that.

PLS member libraries are invited to apply for funding to support their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. Applications are due by Friday, January 15, 2021.

For more info visit the Dec 17 Informational Session recording and Slides.

Anticipated Timeline

• April 21, 2020- June 30, 2021: Project activities occur

• December 17th, 2020: OWWL Library applications open

• January 2021: Anticipated PLS award notification from DLD

• January 15th, 2021:OWWL Library applications due to PLS

• February 5th, 2021: Tentative date to send award confirmations

• March 2021: Checks sent to member libraries

• June 30th, 2021: Completion of project activities

• July 15th, 2021: Member library final report due to PLS

• July 30th, 2021: PLS final report due to DLD

Guidelines

• Funding is to be used for activities that prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, including to expand digital network access, purchase internet accessible devices, and provide technical support services.

• Project Activities must occur between April 21, 2020- June 30, 2021

• Libraries can be reimbursed for approved activities going back to April 21, 2020

• Libraries that applied for the FEMA reimbursement for items purchased through August 2020 are not eligible to request for CARES Act funding reimbursement for those same items

• For subscription or contract services such as hotspots & virtual meeting platforms, costs must be prorated so that they only cover April 21, 2020-June 30, 2021

Possible Project Ideas

• Air ventilation support: HVAC filters and/or air purifiers
• Laptops/Chromebooks & licenses: purchased through Aggregate Purchasing Agreement. anticipated cost $361.50
• Cleaning supplies
• Headsets & webcams
• Hotspots & cases:
  TMobile (Contact: John Barber Public Sector Sales John.Barber@t-mobile.com)
  Mobile Beacon/Sprint
  Verizon
• Keyboard Covers
• Outdoor tent for outside programming
• PPE
• Virtual meeting platforms:
  Example: GoToMeeting, Zoom
• Programming equipment and supplies:
  Tripod, camera, external hard drive, green screen, materials for virtual and low touch passive programs

Application Process

1. Scan all quotes/receipts/invoices/work orders so they are one PDF file

2. Include in this file a cover letter on library letterhead outlining what is included in these receipts/invoices/work orders including a breakdown of expenses

3. Include a total dollar amount on the cover letter for the total amount that you are seeking, breaking down how much is for reimbursements & how much is an anticipated/requested expense

4. Email this file to asnyder@pls-net.org

The deadline to submit this request for funding is Friday, January 15, 2021.

This next step does not guarantee that you will receive funding. Andrea will be following back with all applicants upon approval from DLD.