ANNOUNCING
Montana State Library
American Recovery and Rescue Plan - E-Bulletin
9-1-21
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Montana State Library Introduces New Initiative to Help Libraries Secure Funds |
The MISSION of the Montana State Library is to “…helps all organizations, communities, and Montanans thrive through excellent library resources and services.” To achieve this vision, the State Library has adopted a strategic plan that includes an action item to help public libraries “Secure sufficient and sustainable funding”.
In light of the new funding sources that are becoming available through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the State Library has contracted with the Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) and the consulting firm of Applied Communications to provide outreach and technical assistance to local libraries regarding information about funding opportunities. Over the next year, we will be sending out regular e-bulletins to provide updates on grants, training, and other opportunities to communicate about ARPA funds. Watch for future announcements with information on:
- Phone check-ins with local libraries to answer questions about ARPA funds and obtain feedback about types of funding and training that would be most effective to meet library needs.
- Training webinars on how to access new funding resources
- Information sharing on new funding opportunities and best practices
- Announcements about conferences and other events related to ARPA funding
- Updates to the State Library website about funding opportunities with links to resources
- Assistance to help libraries and GIS staff prepare applications
For general information on the State of Montana American Rescue Plan Act 2021, including Information about legislation, programs, FAQs, and Commission meetings regarding corona virus state and local fiscal recovery Funds visit the state web page: https://arpa.mt.gov/
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Funding Opportunity – Application Due October 7th
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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the State of Montana, Department of Commerce was awarded Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG CARES) to support communities as they respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible applicants include towns, cities, and counties. Other entities such as tribes, non-profits, public housing authorities, etc., although not eligible directly, may apply in partnership with an eligible applicant.
Activities funded through CDBG CARES must, prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily benefit Montanans whose incomes are low or moderate, and avoid duplication of benefits from other local, state, or federal sources of funds
Montana CDBG CARES will fund activities that improve and sustain public facilities, provide vital public services, preserve and construct affordable housing/reduce homelessness. Eligible activities include:
- Public Facilities: Improvements to HVAC for ventilation; expansion to allow for social distancing; acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction of a public facility, such as a park, that allows for outdoor recreation and social distancing
- Public Services: Support, including equipment, for senior centers, head start centers, shelters, health clinics, daycares, food banks
- Housing/Homelessness: Acquire, develop, and/or rehabilitate shelters; acquire or convert property to affordable housing to prevent overcrowding
- Expenses incurred for eligible activities can be reimbursed back to January 21, 2020.
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: Has the State already allocated all of the Federal Funds?
No. The state is still developing programs and procedures for allocating funds. Check the State ARPA page for updates. https://arpa.mt.gov/
Q: What about other funding sources, services for library users, or technical assistance?
Montana ARPA Hot Line - 1-844-406-2772
State Library Covid 19 Resources
Montana Library Hot Spot Lending Program
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Check future e-bulletins for answers to more questions! For additional information on this outreach program please contact: |
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Tracy Cook
Montana State Library
406-431-0685
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Kate McMahon
Applied Communications
406-863-9255
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