2008 New Century Construction/Renovation Grant Application Guide

Applications are due on Monday May 5, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.

Remember a one to one local match is required. For example, if your library is requesting $25,000 in grant support, you must have $25,000 local dollars to contribute to your project.

General information about New Century construction

Who is Eligible to Apply?

  1. A single public library.
  2. All organizations applying for a New Century Community Grant must be nonprofit organizations, legally incorporated in the State of Maine, or a unit of local, county or state government.

What is Eligible for Funding?

  1. New Construction
  2. Facilities renovation
  3. Projects to meet ADA requirements
  4. Internal wiring

What is not eligible for funding?

  1. Items that are not a permanent part of the library building itself, e.g. furniture (including bookshelves)
  2. Carpets
  3. Interior painting
  4. Restoration of art work
  5. Computers

How Applications are Approved

  1. The Maine Library Commission will approve all grant awards.
  2. Expert librarians, Library Commission members, or other advisors will review and rate proposals.
  3. All grant awards will be reported to the Maine Cultural Affairs Council.

Applicant Assurances for Compliance

  1. The applicant will credit the New Century Community Program and the granting agency with all publicity regarding the project.
  2. The applicant will comply with all state laws and mandates regarding:
    • The Americans with Disabilities Act, and
    • The Age Discrimination Act, which bars discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, handicap or sex.

By When Does the Grant Money have to be spent?

Money must be encumbered by May 30, 2008. It must be spent by May 30, 2009.

Grant Appeals Policy

Any grant applicant shall have the opportunity to appeal a decision to the Maine Library Commission.

General Guidelines for New Century Grants

Please review your application for completeness before submitting.

  • The maximum grant amount is $50,000 (Total available is approximately $400,000)
  • The grant deadline is May 5, 2008 at 5:00. No applications will be accepted after that date.
  • Applications may be emailed to Linda.Lord@maine.gov or faxed to 207-287-5624 to meet the April 28, 2008 deadline but six print copies with signatures must be post marked on that date.
  • Applications, whether electronically filled out or on paper, should be in 12-point type. The answers to the questions should not be in bold format.
  • Applicants must use the application form as presented by the Library Commission.

Guidelines to specific sections of the application

  • Legal Name of Applicant: If your library is a municipal department, the governing body of the municipality is the applicant. If a private association governs your public library, the association is the applicant.
  • If you have questions, suggestions, or need clarification please contact Linda Lord, Deputy State Librarian
    • Email: Linda.Lord@maine.gov
    • Telephone: (207) 287-5620,
    • Address: Maine State Library, 64 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333