2026 Literacy Bridges: Empowering 21st Century Communities Grant Program FAQs

Application Process | Eligibility Requirements | Application Review & Reporting Requirements | Program & Participant Information

Application Process

Q. How long will the application take me to fill out?

A. We can't give you an exact time, because it depends on a few factors, but we would estimate 1.5-2 hours. If that sounds like a lot, please don't let it dissuade you! In that estimation we are including the time to plan your project, review the questions, gather any necessary details, and think about and write your responses. When they read your proposal, our reviewers will want to learn about your community, your plans, and how this funding and training will make a difference.

Q. Where can I find general grant writing support?

A. For tips on writing a competitive grant, watch the Programming Librarian webinars below:

You can also check out the Budget & Funding Resources from WebJunction.

Q. May I preview the grant application before completing it?

A. Yes. You may download a PDF of the application for reference.

Q. May applications be submitted by mail or fax?

A. No. Applications must be submitted online via the Submittable Grant Portal by 6:00 pm PT / 7:00 MT / 8:00 CT / 9:00 pm ET on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. You will need to create an account with Submittable to apply for this grant. Please use an email that you check regularly. Applications that are late or incomplete will not be reviewed.

Having trouble with Submittable? Please contact the Submittable support team.

Q. May I submit additional documentation to support my application?

A. No. While we appreciate the desire to submit these additional supporting documents, we are currently unable to consider these as part of an application. This guideline helps keep our application process equitable.

Q. Does ARSL have rules or guidelines around the use of generative AI/large language models (example: ChatGPT) in the development of grant application materials?

A. While the use of AI tools to assist in crafting your application responses is not explicitly prohibited, the selection committee strongly encourages applicants to rely on their own words and perspectives. Authenticity and a genuine personal voice are highly valued in the application process, as they allow the committee to better understand your unique experiences and perspectives.

If applicable, applicants must ensure that AI-assisted content is reviewed to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and relevance to the purpose of the grant, and no confidential information is placed in third-party AI application tools.

Q. Do I need to know exactly what adult basic or digital literacy programming I want to implement in my library before applying?

A. No. The monthly cohort training sessions are intended to help participants craft and refine their programming ideas. We welcome libraries who are looking to develop new programming or expand existing programming.

Eligibility Requirements

Q. What types of libraries are eligible?

A. This opportunity is open only by invitation. Invitations have been issued to all Carnegie-built libraries which serve rural and/or small communities, as determined by these conventional guidelines:

  • Small public libraries are those with a legal service area population below 25,000 people.

  • Rural public libraries are those which serve communities that are located more than 10 miles from an urbanized area.

If you have any questions about your library or invitation, please reach out to [email protected].

Q. Do libraries need to be members of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) to apply?

A. No, ARSL membership is not a requirement for eligibility.

Program & Participant Information

Q. How many staff members can participate?

A. This grant program will support one staff member per awarded library. This staff member must be available to participate in each of the nine monthly one-hour training sessions for their assigned cohort, attend the 2026 and 2027 ARSL Conferences, and must deliver the literacy initiatives at their library. We encourage participants to share knowledge with other staff member or volunteers, but one individual must be designated to participate in the grant program as outlined.

Q. What is the difference between Cohort 1 and Cohort 2?

A. Selected applicants will be placed into one of two separate cohort cycles which will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET. You may indicate cohort preference in your application, but we cannot guarantee exact placement.

Cohort 1:

  • Training Sessions: July 2026 – March 2027
    • July 1, 2026
    • August 5, 2026
    • September 2, 2026
    • October 7, 2026
    • November 4, 2026
    • December 2, 2026
    • January 6, 2027
    • February 3, 2027
    • March 3, 2027
  • Local Program Delivery: April 2027 – October 2027

Cohort 2:

  • Training Sessions: June 2027 – February 2028
    • June 2, 2027
    • July 7, 2027
    • August 4, 2027
    • September 1, 2027
    • October 6, 2027
    • November 3, 2027
    • December 1, 2027
    • January 5, 2028
    • February 2, 2028
  • Local Program Delivery: March 2028 – September 2028

Both cohorts must attend the 2026 and 2027 ARSL Conferences.

Q. How can the grant funding be spent?

A. This grant is focused on funding new or expanded Adult Literacy programming and supporting staff participation in a professional development cohort. Each library that is accepted to the grant program will receive $25,000. A few examples of eligible funding categories include:

  • Program marketing, including outreach materials, activities, and digital marketing costs
  • Materials including books, educational and project supplies, and materials for in-person events
  • Technology such as tablets, laptops, software licenses, and digital infrastructure upgrades
  • Development of community partnerships and resource sharing
  • Data collection, outcome measurement, and other evaluation and grant reporting needs
  • Staff hours during training calls and conferences, backup staff coverage, and time delivering programs
  • Registration and travel for the staff member to attend the ARSL conferences
  • Ongoing staff professional development, such as specialized workshops, certifications, and training beyond this program

Libraries should consider existing financial resources and critical areas that require financial backing when working on their grant application.

Q. Is there a deadline for utilizing the grant funding?

A. Yes. Grant funding must be spent within two years from the date of receipt.

Q. What are the estimated expenses for attending the 2026 and 2027 ARSL conferences?

A. We estimate a total cost of $1,500 - $2,000 per conference. All cohort members will be eligible to register at the Early Bird Member registration rate for both conferences ($300 in 2026). For 2026, the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa will offer rooms at $175 + taxes and fees per night for ARSL conference attendees. 

Application Review & Reporting Requirements

Q. How many grants will be awarded?

A. We will award 66 grants, split into two cohorts of 33 each. Each grantee will receive $25,000.

Q. How will I be notified about the status of my application?

A. You will receive a confirmation email as soon as your application is submitted. All applicants will be notified of their award status via email by the end of May.

Q. Can I edit my application after it has been submitted?

A. No. Applications cannot be edited once they are submitted.

Q. How will my library’s proposal be reviewed?

A. Proposals will be assessed by a panel of library workers serving small and rural communities, led by the ARSL Grants, Awards & Scholarships (GAS) Committee. The GAS Committee will make the final decisions based on peer reviewer feedback using a rubric designed to align with the application questions.

Q. What are the reporting requirements for this grant?

A. Each awardee will be asked to provide a brief final grant report of the impact of their upskilling and their local program outcomes and future sustainability plans. Photos are encouraged. *This information may be used for social media, the ARSL Dispatch newsletter, or media produced by the Carnegie Corporation of New York in the future.

Q. We are anticipating leadership turnover during the grant project. How do we account for that on our application?

A. If you know your library will undergo a leadership change (e.g. retirement, planned extended leave) during the grant project you should indicate the current individual authorized to enter into contracts and/or make purchasing decisions on behalf of your organization. If possible, we recommend using an email address that will continue to be checked after the outgoing leader’s departure, like a general library@ or director@ address, rather than one tied to a specific individual. This will ensure continuity of communication between your library and the ARSL Office. When the leadership change occurs you will need to notify the ARSL office ([email protected]) of that change, and we will update our records accordingly. 

Q. Are grantees required to submit receipts or proofs of purchase for grant-funded materials?

A. No, receipts or proofs of purchase are not a requirement of this grant. However, a grant report will be due at the conclusion of the program.