Grant Opportunities & Forms
Supplies
NWKLS keeps a small stock of library supplies on hand which can be purchased by member libraries at cost. Member libraries can also order items through NWKLS that are not readily stocked. Supplies will be shipped via mail, courier, rotation van, or through other arrangements. (Click on the link below to see the current “Supply Price List”)
Grants & Stipends
Grant cycles begin January 1st yearly. Be sure to look at the stipulations of each grant.
System Services Grant
Upon submission of application, along with relevant minutes and notes from board meetings, checks will be issued.
Member public libraries that meet the basic requirements below will receive an Extended Services Grant or System Services Grant. The purpose of the System Service Grant is to assist libraries in serving individuals residing outside of the traditional taxing area.
The application deadline is April 1st. There will be a 10% reduction to applicants who do not adhere to this deadline. Applications will not be accepted past June 1st.
NWKLS determines grant amounts by classifying libraries based on population as outlined in the 2012 Standards for Kansas Public Libraries. NWKLS reexamines member library classification every five years; however, a library may request reexamination at any time.
In order to receive the maximum amount available, a member public library must meet all of the following conditions during the calendar year:
- The library must be a legally established public library located in one of the taxing counties of Northwest Kansas Library System as defined in KSA 12-1218. (Required–Must meet this criteria to receive a grant)
- One representative from the library must attend the Full System Board meeting. (2nd Wednesday in August)
- The director of the library shall require that library staff attend a minimum of three (3) hours of library training. This can be through a System workshop or other venue.
- A quorum of each public library board must participate in one continuing education event.
- The library must qualify to receive State Aid to Libraries.
- The library must have patron internet access and a working e-mail address.
A library not meeting the requirements will have their grant reduced by 10% per applicable condition.
Continuing Education Stipend (All Members)
This stipend opportunity will be awarded for workshops, conferences, meetings, and other events related to the applicant’s job or professional development. Only NWKLS member library personnel are eligible for this stipend.
Stipends will be awarded as they are received until funds are expended.
When possible, applications should be submitted to the NWKLS Office 30 days in advance of the event.
First priority will be given to those who have not received a grant during the preceding twelve months. The stipend awards will not exceed $250 per applicant per year.
Eligible stipend expenses may include travel costs and registration fees, when not paid by your institution.
Stipend decisions will be made according to the stipend guidelines. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application within two weeks of submission. Checks will be mailed to approved applicants the day after the next regularly scheduled executive committee meeting.
Stipend recipients may be requested to share information about the program or conference attended during a presentation at a system meeting or workshop.
In the event the applicant is unable to attend the funded activity, stipend funds must be reimbursed to the system.
Please send receipts related to this stipend to mboller@nwkls.org.
Collection Development Grant
Northwest Kansas Library System has set aside $7,500.00 to provide member libraries with Collection Development Grants. Grant funds will be awarded competitively based on need until funds are expended. Limited to $900 per application. Please complete and return the application below. Applications will not be accepted after October 1st of each year. NWKLS will notify applicants of the status of their application within two weeks of submission. Payment will be made after the grant application is approved. Checks will be written to the library. Member Libraries receiving grant funds from NWKLS are asked to credit the system for the funds received and provide a report on the program with pictures to be published in the NWKLS Newsletter. Please send receipts related to this grant to mboller@nwkls.org.
Special Programming Grant
Northwest Kansas Library System has set aside $2,500.00 to provide member libraries with Special Programming Grants. Grant funds will be awarded competitively based on need until funds are expended. Funds are limited to $300 per applying library. Please complete and return the application below before the date of your program. Applications will not be accepted after October 1st of each year. NWKLS will notify applicants of the status of their application within two weeks of submission. Payment will be made after the grant application is approved. Checks will be written to the library. Member Libraries receiving grant funds from NWKLS are asked to credit the system for the funds received, and provide a report on the program with pictures to be published in the NWKLS Exchange. Please send receipts related to this grant to mboller@nwkls.org.
Technology Grant
Northwest Kansas Library System has set aside $3,000 to provide member libraries with Technology Grants. Grant funds will be awarded competitively based on need until funds are expended. Please complete and return the application below. Applications will not be accepted after October 1st of each year. NWKLS will notify applicants of the status of their application within two weeks of submission. Payment will be made after the grant application is approved. Checks will be written to the library. Member Libraries receiving grant funds from NWKLS are asked to credit the system for the funds received and provide a report on the program with pictures to be published in the NWKLS Newsletter. Please send receipts related to this grant to mboller@nwkls.org.
Courier Stipend (All Members)
Please complete this form by February 6th, in order to be eligible to receive the NWKLS Kansas Library Express Courier Stipend.
*If this form is not filled out before February 8th, there will be a 10% deduction.
Competitive Stipends (Member School Libraries)
William Allen White Stipend
Northwest Kansas Library System is proud to offer a competitive stipend opportunity to help fund school libraries wishing to attend the William Allen White Ceremony in Emporia, Kansas. Stipend amounts will vary with the number of students schools will be taking to the award ceremony and will be given as a per student amount. NWKLS will be reviewing the 1-1 matched funds for each school and additional information of proof matching funds are required for stipend considerations.
Grant Applications are accepted from February 1st through April 30th, of each year. Applicants will be informed of the status of the application the beginning of May. Stipend funds will be dispersed in May. Please ensure your school administrator are aware the checks will be arriving in May. Schools must submit their votes for books and send Sierra proof of the votes at spercival@nwkls.org in order to get the link to apply for the stipend.
Schools that are awarded a stipend, will submit prior to the trip 1-1 matched funds and a preliminary budget expense sheet for anticipated costs. Post trip, those awarded the stipend will submit receipts of expenses and proof of attendance within 30 days after the Award Ceremony.
Please send any receipts, documents, or questions to Sierra at spercival@nwkls.org