麻豆传媒

Regional Digital Equity Support
for Public Libraries

Eastern Illinois University, with the support of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Broadband and the Illinois Innovation Network, is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for public libraries in East Central Illinois to enhance digital equity in their communities. This grant supports the purchase of digital equipment or the development of programming to expand access to technology, training, and digital resources.

Funding Details

• Maximum Award: Up to $12,000 total depending on available funding
• Funding Period: Disbursed over three installments
• Grant ending: June 2026
• Eligible Expenses:
• Purchase of digital technology and equipment
• Development and delivery of digital literacy programming
• Staff training related to digital services

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to public libraries serving communities in East Central Illinois. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving digital access and inclusion for patrons in their service area.

Prior to distribution of funding, you must meet with Terry Sullivan (tsullivan@eiu.edu).

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Allocated amount of library funding per capita
• Annual number of circulated items per capita
• Annual number of programs offered by the library
• Average household income in the community served
• Projects will benefit as many of the state’s priority populations as possible. Those populations are low-income individuals/households, individuals who are 60 years of age or older, incarcerated individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, English language learners/individuals with low English literacy, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals in rural communities.

Priority will be given to libraries serving economically disadvantaged populations and those demonstrating high community engagement through programs and circulation.

Reporting Requirements

Recipients are required to submit brief data reports after each quarter of funding, detailing expenditures, program outcomes, and community impact.

Application Instructions

Applications are due by May 29, 2025.

To submit your completed application and any supporting documentation:
(click here)

For additional information and application materials, please contact:
Bradley Green
Email: bjgreen@eiu.edu
Phone: (217) 251-2524