The Vermont Department of Libraries launched the application process for $9.6 million in competitive grant funding through the Public Facilities Preservation Initiative Grants for Small, Rural Public Libraries in Vermont.
Donor Name: Vermont Department of Libraries
State: Vermont
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/31/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This funding, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through their FY2023 Economic Initiative Community Project Funding program, is intended to complete capital projects necessary to maintain, repair, or improve existing library buildings. This funding was made possible with the support of Senator Leahy, who included the Department’s proposal in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
This federal funding will help public libraries address existing maintenance and repair needs, thereby ensuring they can continue to serve Vermonters well into the future. This funding is intended to address critical repairs needed for existing public library buildings including: building system repairs or replacement; building envelope repairs; and structural repairs. This funding is also intended to improve the accessibility of existing public library buildings, including: internal ramps; external ramps; lifts; and accessible restrooms. The Department aims to aims to support public libraries across the state by awarding capital grant funds from one of its two programs to at least one public library in each of Vermont’s 14 counties.
Foundation Funds
This grant supports capital projects necessary to maintain, repair, or improve existing library buildings, including:
- critical repairs needed for existing public library buildings including building system repairs or replacement; building envelope repairs; and structural repairs, and
- accessibility improvements to existing public library buildings, including internal ramps; external ramps; lifts; and accessible restrooms.
Phases
Applications will be scored in phases as follows:
- Phase 1: Completeness, Eligibility, & State of Vermont Risk Assessment – All municipal and incorporated public libraries that have provided complete information about their institution, that have eligible buildings and projects, that meet federal and State of Vermont eligibility requirements, and that have a Subrecipient Pre-Award Risk Assessment score of low or moderate will move to Phase 2.
- Phase 2: Environmental and Historic Preservation – Top-scoring applications within each county or region will proceed to the scoring Phase 3.
- Phase 3: Capital Project Information – The distribution of scores will be reviewed, and the minimum score needed to advance to Phase 4 will be established. Top-scoring applications within each county or region will proceed to the scoring Phase 4.
- Phase 4: Finalist Supplemental – Finalists will be asked to provide supplemental information and to meet with Department staff to clarify the scope of work. The Department will evaluate this additional information, then make grant awards.
Funding Information
The Department anticipates awarding $9,600,000 to public libraries in Vermont and plans to award at least 20 grants of $50,000-400,000 through a highly competitive process.
Eligibility Criteria
All public libraries in Vermont are welcome to apply for these capital grants.
For more information, visit Vermont Department of Libraries.
