Here is a list of some frequently asked questions. I will keep posting the most relevant questions as I get them:
What can I purchase with grant funds?
Here are some guidelines for appropriate use of grant funds.
Basic Costs:
- Hardware – desktop OR laptop computers of the make or model of your choice
- Servers – MUST specifically serve the public and counts as 1 (one) computer towards your allotment
- Routers, switches, hubs and other costs related to adding the new computers to your current network
- Software
- Technical support over the life of the computer, including staff salary
- Staff training so that staff can help patrons use the computers
- Printer and toner used to support the computer
After the Basic Costs are covered, libraries are encouraged to reserve any remaining grant funds for other costs related to maintaining and operating the computer during its 3-4 year life. Supplemental Costs (after all the Basic Costs are covered):
- Peripherals, such as additional printers, scanners, educational software, and subscriptions to online resources.
The driving principle to consider when using grant funds for a Supplemental Cost is: Does this peripheral directly support the provision of useful public access computing in my community?
What are acceptable sources of the matching funds?
New monies derived from successful local and/or state advocacy efforts allocated to the technology line item in library budgets (exclusive of federal LSTA monies passed via the state to a local library system)
- Existing library technology budget funds generated from previous, successful advocacy efforts at the local and/or state level
- Nongovernmental donations or grants (e.g. private donors, community foundation grants, local business sponsors, etc)
- Monies derived from fundraising efforts (e.g. book sales, library fundraisers, etc)
Reminder: A library cannot use the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant dollars to replace existing funds (supplant) previously committed to a library technology budget.
What is acceptable proof of the acquired matching funds?
- Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) from the appropriate official or agency overseeing the library budget
- Council or library board resolution committing funds
- Letter of commitment from a nongovernmental resource such as:
- Foundations
- Corporations
- Friends groups
- Private donors
