Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants – FY12 Guidelines
Application Deadline: May 15, 2012
(Projects must begin September 1, 2012.)
Date Posted: March 15, 2012
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 45.311
Questions? See the Native Hawaiian Library Services Web page for IMLS contact info.
Teletype (TTY/TDD) (for persons with hearing difficulty): 202/653-4614
Upon request, IMLS will provide an audio recording of this or any other publication.
Web Conferencing with Program Staff
IMLS staff are available by phone and through e-mail to discuss general issues relating to Native Hawaiian Library Services grants. We also invite you to participate in a pre-application Web conference to learn more about the program, ask questions, and listen to the questions and comments of other participants. See the Native Hawaiian Library Services Web page for date and time information.
Equal Opportunity
IMLS-funded programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. For further information, write to the Civil Rights Officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802.
Office of Management and Budget Clearance Numbers
Guidelines: OMB No. 3137-0029; Expiration Date: August 31, 2013.
Forms: OMB No. 3137-0071; Expiration Date: August 31, 2013.
How long should it take me to complete this application?
We estimate the average amount of time needed for one applicant to complete the narrative portion of this application to be 40 hours. This includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and writing and reviewing the answers.
We estimate that, in addition to the time needed for you to answer the narrative questions, it will take you an average of 15 minutes per response for the Program information Sheet, 3 hours per response for the Detailed Budget and Summary Budget, and 10 minutes per response for the Partnership Statement.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Institute of Museum and Library Services at 1800 M Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (3137-0029), Washington, DC 20503.
1. Program Information
What are Native Hawaiian Library Services grants?
Native Hawaiian Library Services grants are competitive grants available to support activities that enhance existing library services or implement new library services.
What is the deadline for applying for a Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant?
The FY2012 deadline for Native Hawaiian Library Services grants is May 15, 2012.
What is the period of time in which my Native Hawaiian organization can conduct activities funded by a FY12 Native Hawaiian Library Services grant?
Projects must begin on September 1, 2012, and end on August 30, 2013 .
How much money can my institution apply for?
The total amount available for the FY12 Native Hawaiian Library Services grant program is $552,000. More than one grant may be awarded. We will review and negotiate budgets as necessary. If chosen to be funded, you may be granted an amount less than you requested.
Do we have to provide funds from other sources in order to be eligible for a Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant?
Cost sharing is encouraged but not required in this program.Click here for further information on cost sharing.
What types of activities can be funded with an Native Hawaiian Library Services grant?
Native Hawaiian Library Services grants may enhance existing library services or implement new library services, particularly as they relate to the following goals in the updated IMLS statute (20 U.S.C. §9141):
(1) Expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages in order to support such individuals’ needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, and digital literacy skills
(2) Establishing or enhancing electronic and other linkages and improved coordination among and between libraries and entities for the purpose of improving the quality of and access to library and information services
(3) (A) Providing training and professional development, including continuing education, to enhance the skills of the current library workforce and leadership, and advance the delivery of library and information services, and
(B) Enhancing efforts to recruit future professionals to the field of library and information services
(4) Developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations
(5) Targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills
(6) Targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 9902(2) of title 42) applicable to a family of the size involved
(7) Developing library services that provide all users access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international collaborations and networks
(8) Carrying out other activities consistent with the purposes of the Library Services and Technology subchapter of the IMLS statute (20 U.S.C. §9121).
How many applications can we submit to this program?
You may apply for and receive one Native Hawaiian Library Services grant in a fiscal year.
Acknowledgement and Copyright/Work Products
Read more about Acknowledgement and Copyright/Work Products
What requirements govern the use of IMLS funds?
You may only use IMLS funds for allowable costs as found in IMLS and government-wide cost principle rules, including OMB Circulars and regulations.
What expenses are allowable with Native Hawaiian Library Services grant funds?
Examples of allowable expenses for Native Hawaiian Library Services grants include
- project personnel (contract or in-house) whose staff time is necessary for the proper and efficient execution of the project;
- project consultants;
- purchase of equipment, materials, supplies, or services;
- project activities;
- integration of technology into operations or programs;
- project-related travel of key project staff and consultants;
- evaluation to show the extent to which the project has met its goals; and
- indirect or overhead costs.
We expect that funds will support projects that provide services to the public.
You must justify all proposed expenses in your application budget.
What expenses are not allowable with Native Hawaiian Library Services grant funds?
Examples of unallowable expenses for Native Hawaiian Library Services grants include
- general fundraising costs, such as development office expenditures or other staff time devoted to general fundraising;
- general advertising or public relations costs designed solely for promotional activities other than those related to the specific project;
- contributions to endowments;
- social activities, ceremonies, receptions, or entertainment;
- construction or renovation of facilities; and
- pre-award costs.
(Note: If you have questions about the allowability or unallowability of specific activities, please call us for guidance.)
Are Partnerships Required for Native Hawaiian Library Services grants?
Partnerships may strengthen a Native Hawaiian Library Services application, if they are appropriate to the project, but they are not required. An application may include one or more partners. The lead applicant in a partnership must be eligible to apply as an individual entity, and all members of a partnership should be active contributors to project activities. Read more about partnerships.
2. Eligibility
Native Hawaiian Library Services grants are available to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians (as the term is defined in 20 U.S.C. § 7517). The term "Native Hawaiian" refers to an individual who is a citizen of the United States and a descendant of the aboriginal people who, before 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the area that now comprises the State of Hawaii.
3. Registration Requirements
Getting a D-U-N-S® Number
Read more about Getting a D-U-N-S® Number.
CCR Registration
Read more about CCR Registration.
Grants.gov Registration
Read more about Grants.gov Registration and Tips for Using Grants.gov.
4. Preparing and Submitting an Application
PLEASE REVIEW THESE GUIDELINES AND THE GRANTS.GOV REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY. WE MAKE GRANTS ONLY TO ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS THAT SUBMIT COMPLETE APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING ATTACHMENTS, ON OR BEFORE THE DEADLINE.
For the FY12 Native Hawaiian Library Services grants, Grants.gov will accept applications through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 15, 2012.
We strongly recommend that you REGISTER EARLY and COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION EARLY.
Apply for Grants: www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp
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Use one of the following identifiers to locate the Native Hawaiian Library Services grants package in Grants.gov:
CFDA No: 45.311
Funding Opportunity Number: NAG-HAWAIIAN -FY12
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What documents are required and how should they be completed, formatted, named, and sequenced?
Please see the Table of Application Components below. Links to more information and instructions for completing forms are provided in the table. Applications missing any Required Documents or applicable Conditionally Required Documents from this list will be considered incomplete and will be rejected from further consideration.
You should also use this table to determine the format of each document, the name it must be given, and the sequence in which the documents should be attached.
Please note that, aside from the first two documents listed, all documents must be submitted as PDF documents, regardless of how they were created. Documents listed as IMLS forms are available in both Microsoft® Word document and fill-in PDF formats, and are located on the IMLS Web site. If you do not have Adobe® Pro, we suggest using the Word document to complete the forms. Remember, the Word version must later be converted to and submitted as a PDF.
Be sure to note the maximum page limits for certain components. We will remove any pages above the limit, and we will not send them to reviewers as part of your application.
Append all the documents to the attachments form in the sequence used in the Table of Application Components. Use all the available spaces in the "Mandatory Documents for Submission" box first. If there are more attachments than will fit there, use the "Optional Documents for Submission" box for the remaining ones, following the same naming convention and submitting them one at a time.
You may use this table as a checklist to ensure that you have created and attached all the documents that may be necessary for a complete application. We suggest assembling and uploading your documents in this sequence to assist you in confirming the inclusion of all required materials.
Table of Application Components
Abstract
A project abstract should be no more than one page. Insert the text, which you generate through a word processing program and save as a PDF, into the Abstract field in Grants.gov.
Information in the abstract should cover the following areas as related to the proposed project:
- What is the time frame for the project?
- What community needs will the project address?
- Who is the intended audience for the activities?
- What will be the specific project activities, results, and tangible products?
- What are the intended outcomes for audience members in terms of measurable changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, or behavior?
This abstract may be used for public information purposes, so it should be informative to other persons working in the same or related fields, as well as to the lay reader. The abstract must not include any proprietary or confidential information.
Program Information Sheet
1. Applicant Information
a. Legal Name: Enter the legal name of the applicant.
b. and c. Organizational Unit and Address: Use Street1 for the organization’s street address or post office box number, whichever is used for its U.S. Postal Service mailing address. Street2 is not a required field and should be used only when a suite or room number or other similar information is part of the address. Be sure to include the four-digit extension on the ZIP code.
d. Web Address: If an organizational unit is listed, enter its Web address here. If not, enter the Web site of the entity listed under Legal Name in Section 1a above.
e. Type of Institution: Select the box for "Native American Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization."
2. Grant Program or Grant Program Category
Select "Native Hawaiian Library Services" listed under "j. Native American/Native Hawaiian Library Services."
3. Request Information
a. IMLS Funds Requested: Enter the amount in dollars sought from IMLS.
b. Cost Share Amount: Enter the amount of non-federal funding you are providing. Please note that cost sharing is encouraged but not required for Native Hawaiian Library Services grants. Read more about cost share.
4. Skip section 4 since it does not pertain to Native Hawaiian Library Services grants.
5. Project Partners
In the space provided, list all organizations that are partners for the project. Note: Each partner listed in this section is required to complete and submit a Partnership Statement form to the lead applicant for submission with the application.
6. Native Hawaiian Organization Eligibility
Complete this section if you are an organization that primarily serves and represents Native Hawaiians. If "yes" is selected, proof of eligibility is required with submission of application. See section on Proof of Eligibility for details.
7–8. Skip sections 7 and 8 since they do not pertain to Native Hawaiian Library Services grants.
Download Program Information Sheet:
Adobe® PDF (318 KB)
Microsoft® Word Document (118 KB)
Narrative
Write a narrative that addresses the four components listed and explained below. Limit the narrative to eight single-spaced, numbered pages. We will remove any pages above the eight-page limit, and we will not send them to reviewers as part of your application.
Make sure your organization’s name appears at the top of each page. Use at least 0.5-inch margins on all sides and a font size of at least twelve point. Use Supporting Documents to provide supplementary material.
Reviewers with a variety of professional backgrounds will read these applications and advise us on their merits. They will base their evaluations on the information presented in the application. Your project narrative should therefore be clear, concise, and well-organized with a minimum of technical jargon.
Review criteria are listed below for each section of the narrative. These criteria describe what the reviewers are instructed to consider as they evaluate proposals. Keep these application review criteria in mind when writing your narrative. Be certain to address the bullet points under each of the four narrative sections as you write. Address the four sections of the narrative separately and in the same order in which they are listed below.
Please be advised that reviewers may also choose to visit your organization’s Web site, as listed on the SF-424S form provided with this application.
1. Statement of Need
Provide a justification for the proposed project as it relates to your organization’s library program and the community. Include information such as the following:
- A description of the community to be served
- Current activities of the library program
- How the proposal will improve library services
- Impact on the community from improved library services
Review Criteria:
- Evidence that the applicant has performed a formal or informal assessment of community needs
- Evidence that the project and its goals were developed as the best solution to address those needs
2. Impact
Describe the benefits of this project for your organization’s library program and the community. Address issues such as the following:
- Specific outcomes that will result from the project
- Plans and methodology to measure the achievement of the project’s goals and objectives
- How the project’s accomplishments, benefits, and changes will continue beyond the grant period
- Evaluation methodology and its incorporation into the project design
- The means by which project activities and results will be shared with various audiences (Many strategies that apply to publicizing an award may be used to disseminate project news as well. See http://www.imls.gov/recipients/grantee.aspx.)
Review Criteria:
- Evidence that the project will create specific changes and benefits for the applicant, library, and/or the community served
- Evidence that the applicant has plans to sustain those changes and benefits beyond the grant period
- Evidence that the evaluation plan ties directly to the project goals and is appropriate in determining project impact
3. Project Design
Describe the proposed project’s design. Include information such as the following:
- Project goals and objectives
- Scholarly and/or community involvement in content, planning, and execution
- Action steps and activities to implement the project
- Evidence that the applicant is capable of implementing the project plan
- Methods to reach the intended audience(s)
- Project management and the process for corrections and adjustments throughout the project
Review Criteria:
- Evidence that the project proposes efficient, effective, and reasonable approaches to accomplish its clear goals and objectives
- Extent to which the project allows for mid-course correction of project activities
- Evidence this project will be promoted to the intended audience
- If the project includes digitization, evidence that appropriate procedures will be followed
4. Project Resources: Personnel, Time, Budget
Describe the resources, including those funded by the grant and those funded by the organization’s cost share, required to implement and complete the project. Include information such as the following:
- Identification of key project staff, their duties, and their qualifications for successfully completing their project tasks
- Identification of consultants and service providers involved in project activities, the process for selecting them, and how they will work with project staff
- A timeline for specific activities to implement the project and its justification
- The amount of time that key project staff will devote to the project and how they will balance project responsibilities with other ongoing duties
- The facilities, equipment, and supplies necessary to support the project
- Budget allocated to accomplish project activities, including both the applicant’s contributions and the optional cost share
Review Criteria:
- Evidence that the applicant will complete the project activities in the time allocated through the effective deployment and management of resources, including personnel, money, facilities, equipment, and supplies
- Evidence of sound financial management, coupled with an appropriate and cost efficient budget
- Evidence that the project personnel demonstrate appropriate experience and expertise and will commit adequate time to accomplish project activities
- Evidence that the applicant is capable of successfully completing the project and activities
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For this section of the application, reviewers will consider information provided in the Narrative, Budget Forms, Budget Justification, and Resumes.
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Conditionally Required Documents
Proof of Eligibility as an Organization that Primarily Serves and Represents Native Hawaiians
You must submit proof that you are an eligible not-for-profit organization that primarily serves and represents Native Hawaiians (as defined in 20 U.S.C. Section 7517). As proof of eligibility, you must submit the organization’s charter documents, including the organization’s articles of incorporation. You may provide additional proof of eligibility as well.
In addition, eligible nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians must submit proof of nonprofit status, which may be either
- a copy of the IRS letter indicating the organization’s eligibility for nonprofit status under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, or
- an official document identifying the organization as a unit of state or local government or other tax-exempt multipurpose organization. If prepared specifically for this application, the certification must be on the parent organization’s letterhead and certified by an official of the parent organization.
Note: We will not accept a letter of sales tax exemption as proof of nonprofit status.
Please consult the table below to determine if any additional documents are required. If any of the conditions in the left column apply to your project, then the documents described in the right column are required. If you do not provide them, your application will be considered incomplete and will be rejected from further consideration.
Please note that if you are choosing the IMLS option of claiming a rate of 15% of indirect costs, you do not need to provide any documentation.
Supporting Documents
You may submit other attachments of your choosing as part of your application package, but do not overload the reviewers with too much information. These attachments should include only information that will supplement the narrative and support the project description provided in the application. They should help reviewers envision your project, but they should not be used to answer narrative questions. You may wish to consider the following:
- Needs assessments (i.e. formal or informal documentation used to justify, evaluate, and plan projects)
- Letters of commitment from consultants, partners, or other groups that will work closely with you on this project
- Letters of support from subject-matter experts who are familiar with your proposed project
- Long-range plan
- Reports from planning activities
- Vendor quotes
- Equipment specifications
- Web links to relevant online materials
Note: When attaching these documents, give each one a specific title for clear identification. All Supporting Documents must include dates of creation and authorship.
Assurances and Certifications
What Federal Laws Do I Agree to Comply With When I Submit My Application?
As an applicant for Federal funds, you must certify that you are responsible for complying with certain nondiscrimination, debarment and suspension, drug-free workplace, and lobbying laws. These are outlined below and are set out in more detail, along with other requirements, in the Assurances and Certifications. By signing the application form, which includes the Assurances and Certifications, you certify that you are in compliance with these requirements and that you will maintain records and submit any reports that are necessary to ensure compliance. Your failure to comply with these statutory and regulatory requirements may result in the suspension or termination of your grant and require you to return funds to the government.
1. Nondiscrimination Statutes: You certify that you do not discriminate:
- On the grounds of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency), in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq.);
- On the grounds of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §701 et seq., including §794);
- On the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. §6101 et seq.); and
- On the basis of sex, in any education program or activity, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.)
2. Debarment and Suspension (2 C.F.R. Part 180 and 2 C.F.R. Part 3185):
You certify that neither you nor your principals: (a) are presently excluded or disqualified; (b) have been convicted within the preceding three years of offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. §180.800 (including but not limited to: fraud, antitrust, embezzlement, or offense indicating lack of business integrity) or have had a civil judgment rendered again you or them for one of such offenses within that time period; (c) are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State, or local) with commission of any of such offenses; or (d) have had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default. Where you are unable to certify to any of the above, you must attach an explanation to this application. You must also comply with applicable sections of the OMB guidance in 2 C.F.R. part 180, and include a term or condition in lower-tier transactions requiring lower-tier participants to comply with subpart C of the OMB guidance in 2 C.F.R. part 180.
3. Federal Debt Status:
You certify that you are not delinquent in the repayment of any Federal debt. Examples include delinquent payroll or other taxes, audit disallowances, and benefit overpayments.
4. Drug-Free Workplace:
You must provide a drug-free workplace by complying with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. part 3186. This includes: making a good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace; publishing a drug-free workplace statement; establishing a drug-free awareness program for your employees; taking actions concerning employees who are convicted of violating drug statutes in the workplace; and identifying (either at the time of your application or upon award, or in documents that you keep on file in your offices) all known workplaces under your Federal awards.
5. Lobbying Activities (31 U.S.C. §1352):
You are subject to various restrictions against lobbying or attempting to influence a Federal employee or a Member of Congress or Congressional employees, in connection with legislation, appropriations, or the award or modification of a Federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or loan. Certain additional restrictions apply if you are requesting over $100,000 in Federal assistance.
The Assurances and Certifications contain other general requirements that may apply depending on the nature of your grant activity (for example, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966).
5. After You Apply
What is the application review process?
We use a peer review process that includes individual field review and/or panel review to evaluate all eligible and complete applications. Reviewers and panelists are professionals in the field with relevant knowledge and expertise in the types of project activities identified in the applications. They are instructed to evaluate proposed projects according to the criteria identified in the program guidelines. The Director takes into account the advice provided by the review process and makes final funding decisions consistent with the purposes of the agency’s programs.
How can I serve as a reviewer?
All competitive awards are reviewed by library professionals who know the needs of communities, can share best practices, and are well versed in the issues and concerns of libraries today.
If you are interested in serving as a reviewer, you may submit your information through our online reviewer application at www.imls.gov/reviewers/become.aspx. Please remember to attach your resume. Your information will be considered, and if accepted, your name will be entered into our reviewer database. You will be contacted prior to the next deadline regarding your availability to serve as a reviewer.
There are many benefits to reviewing applications, including enhancing your professional knowledge and serving the museum and library communities. If you are selected to serve, you will be helping IMLS and strengthening our grant review process.
When will we find out if we have been selected to receive a grant?
No information about the status of an application will be released until the applications have been reviewed and all deliberations are concluded. We expect to notify both funded and unfunded applicants of final decisions by August 2012. Funded projects may not begin earlier than September 1, 2012.