The State Library of Ohio administers the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Open Grant program to support libraries in addressing specific community needs while aligning with the objectives outlined in the State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Five-Year Plan. The Open Grant program is designed to allow libraries the flexibility to develop innovative projects that may not be feasible without LSTA grant support. These grants focus on new initiatives or services rather than operational expenses. Applicants are required to demonstrate the community need for their project, detail its implementation and evaluation methods, and establish how the project aligns with the LSTA goals.

Libraries applying for an Open Grant may request up to $4,999 in federal funds, and no local matching funds are required. Applications may be submitted at any time; however, they are evaluated and awarded based on submission timelines. The Open Grant is divided into two cycles: Cycle 1 evaluates applications received between January 1 and June 30, with awards announced in mid-August. Cycle 2 evaluates applications received between July 1 and December 31, with awards announced in mid-February. Each grant term lasts six months, with Cycle 1 projects running from September 1 to February 28 and Cycle 2 projects running from March 1 to August 31. A maximum of six grants are funded per cycle, and no institution may receive grants in consecutive cycles or more than one grant per cycle.

The application process requires libraries to submit responses to five key questions covering the identified community need, project description, alignment with the LSTA Five-Year Plan, anticipated impact and outcomes, and marketing strategies. Required supporting documentation includes a proposed budget form and proof of cost documentation, such as vendor quotes or website screenshots. Optional documentation may include letters of support, partnership statements, timelines, or additional materials that strengthen the proposal. Applications must be completed in a single session, so applicants are advised to prepare their responses and required documents in advance.

Eligible applicants include public libraries receiving Public Library Funds, school libraries in accredited institutions, academic libraries in accredited institutions of higher learning, special libraries willing to make their collections publicly accessible, institutional libraries, library consortia, statewide library networks, professional associations, and regional library systems. The grant funds may be used for contractual services, supplies, technology, library materials, and indirect costs, as long as these expenses support the project's goals. However, funds cannot be used for salaries and fringe benefits for current staff, ongoing operational costs, entertainment, food, fundraising, construction, promotional giveaways, or non-project-related expenses.

The Open Grant is a competitive program, and submission of a proposal does not guarantee funding. Applications are reviewed by a team of State Library staff who evaluate submissions based on the quality of responses, supporting documentation, and alignment with the LSTA Five-Year Plan. Recommendations are made to the State Librarian, who makes the final funding decision. Applicants seeking feedback on their proposals may submit draft applications for review, with deadlines of June 1 for Cycle 1 and December 1 for Cycle 2.

Successful applicants are required to submit a final financial report, including receipts, and a final narrative report at the conclusion of the grant period. Reporting forms are available on the State Library of Ohio’s forms webpage. For additional information, applicants can review the Open Grant FAQ page or contact the LSTA Coordinator at lsta@library.ohio.gov.