The California State Library is excited to announce the Digital Literacy and Access Grant Program.
Donor Name: California State Library
State: California
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/03/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The Digital Literacy and Access opportunity provides funds to help California public libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities, through digital navigation services for library users, digital literacy training opportunities for the public, and AI and/or internet safety classes.
As many as two million Californians experience slow or no internet access at home, which can mean limited access to essential online activities like banking, healthcare, homework, remote work, and job seeking. Without high-speed internet at home, however, these Californians can rely on one anchor institution that offers free, reliable broadband: local public libraries.
Public libraries provide access to digital resources and the skills to safely use those resources, which are key components of the Broadband for All Initiative. The goals of this opportunity are to help libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities.
Funding Information
California public library jurisdictions may apply for funding.
- Minimum funding request: $5,000
- Maximum funding request: $20,000
Grant Period
eptember 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Eligible Activities
California public libraries can apply for grant funding to support the following activities:
- Digital navigation services for library users.
- Digital literacy training and classes for library users.
- AI and/or internet safety classes or programs for library users.
Allowable Expenditures
- Staff time to co-design, coordinate, and implement digital literacy and access programs and services.
- Supplies to support digital literacy and access programs, including devices such as laptops, computers, projectors, and tablets. Projects that include the purchase of devices that can connect to and browse the internet must be conducted in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
- Services from community organizations, including workshops and presentations about digital literacy and access.
- Participation by library workers in professional development opportunities to gain knowledge and skills around digital literacy and access.
- Outreach and promotion of project programs and services.
- Evaluation of project activities and outcomes.
- Additional allowable expenditures to help libraries and communities achieve the project goals of improving access to high-speed broadband and improving digital literacy in their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
- The California State Library distributes LSTA funds through grant opportunities to eligible California libraries and nonprofit organizations supporting libraries, such as Friends groups and library cooperative systems.
- This section discusses the eligibility requirements that all LSTA applicants must meet. Some LSTA opportunities may have additional eligibility requirements. Additional eligibility requirements are listed on the funding opportunity webpage.
- Under the Library Services and Technology Act, the State Library has discretion over the eligibility of applicants, the qualification of projects, and the award of funds. The general eligibility guidelines are outlined below:
- The term “library” includes:
- A public library;
- An elementary or secondary school library;
- An academic library;
- A research library, which for the purposes of this subtitle means a library that makes publicly available library services and materials suitable for scholarly research and not otherwise available to the public; and is not an integral part of an institution of higher education.
- A library should meet the following eligibility standards:
- A written explicit mission statement and service objectives.
- A fixed location in California.
- Established hours of service.
- An organized collection of information and materials accessible for use by its primary clientele.
- Designated, onsite, paid staff for library services. At least one staff person shall have a master’s degree in library or information science or a California library media teacher credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. (Equivalent graduate education or demonstrated professional experience may be substituted for this requirement.)
- An established funding base. (The local board of governance or the appropriate administrative authority shall agree for each academic library, public library, school library and special library, not to reduce funding for library services as a result of receiving a grant.)
For more information, visit California State Library.
