Grant Opportunities & Forms
Supplies
Member libraries can order items through NWKLS from Demco.com. These orders will be placed on the 15th at 8am of each month. NWKLS will not order supplies in the month of December to prepare for closing out the year. Supplies will be shipped via mail, courier, rotation van, or through other arrangements. A link to the supply price list is located on the form once you click the button below!
(Orders will be paused from November 15th, 2026 through January 1st, 2027)
Grants & Stipends
*Grant cycles begin January 1st yearly. Be sure to look at the stipulations of each grant*
*All libraries receiving grants or stipends from NWKLS are required to provide receipts on how funds were used in order to be eligible for future NWKLS funds. Failure to provide grant receipts will result in ineligibility for future NWKLS competitive grants*
*Only 1 library/school application per grant per year*
*Quarterly updates on remaining funds will be provided in the Newsletter*
2026 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 March 31st. Applications received after April 8th or not meeting standards, will receive 10% less in awarded funds. 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 2026, Major Service Centers are eligible for $6,845.50, Service Centers $5,441.00, Linking Libraries $5,132.00 and Gateway Libraries $4,727.50. These amounts include the courier stipend, NWKLS is covering the total costs of the 2026 courier pricing increase. Please remember to budget for the increase in 2027.
In order to receive the maximum amount available, a member public library must meet all of the following conditions during the calendar year:
- Library hours of operation listed
- Board member names, contact information, positions, and term limit noted
- 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)
- Your library representative attended the 2025 Full system meeting (include name)
- 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.
- Staff and board training documentation is to be sent to mboller@nwkls.org before a public library’s application will be considered and approved for funding
- 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.
2026 Professional Development Grant
Northwest Kansas Library System has set aside $18,000.00 for staff Professional Deleopment. This grant includes the National Conference grant, The KLA Conference grant, the ApPLE New Director’s Training, and any in state training or workshops any member library staff may wish to apply for in 2026. Those applying for the first time will be given preference over those who have received any one of these grants in the last two years.
Funds available per grant are as follows:
- National Conference Grant (up to $1,000.00)
- KLA Conference Grant (up to $1,000.00)
- ApPLE New Director’s Training-(Fully funded)
- In state trainings workshop or training (up to $500.00)
Applications will not be accepted after September 30th of each year. Applications will be reviewed within two weeks of submission and applicants will receive an award approval letter and check after acceptance. Grant 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. *Failure to provide grant receipts will result in ineligibility for future NWKLS competitive grants*
2026 Library Materials, Resources and Development Grant
Northwest Kansas Library System has set aside $12,000.00 to provide member libraries with Books, Library Resources, Furniture, and Computers with this grant. Applications will be accepted from our public and school library members. Those applying for the first time will take precedence over those who have received this grant in the past two years. Limited to $1,000 per application. Please complete and return the application below. Applications will not be accepted after September 30th of each year. Applications will be reviewed within two weeks of submission and applicants will receive an award approval letter and check after acceptance. 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. *Failure to provide grant receipts will result in ineligibility for future NWKLS competitive grants*
2026 Library Event Grant
Northwest Kansas Library System has set aside $5,000.00 to provide member libraries with Library Event Grants. This grant may be used for visiting authors, special summer programming events and any adult programming your library may choose to host (ex: HK Talk Book Discussion Leader). Grant funds will be awarded competitively based on need until funds are expended. Funds are limited to $500 per applying library. Please complete and return the application below before the date of your program. Applications will not be accepted after September 30th of each year. Applications will be reviewed within two weeks of submission and applicants will receive an award approval letter and check after acceptance. 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. *Failure to provide grant receipts will result in ineligibility for future NWKLS competitive grants*
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 September. Please ensure your school administrator are aware the checks will be arriving in September. Schools must submit their votes for books and send NWKLS Staff proof of the votes at nwklsstaff@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.
*Failure to provide grant receipts will result in ineligibility for future NWKLS competitive grants*
Please send any receipts, documents, or questions to NWKLS Staff at nwklsstaff@nwkls.org