The Tennessee State Library and Archives is pleased to partner with the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide a grant opportunity to public libraries for public computer training labs and classes for up to 12 months.
The Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant is available for public libraries to create or improve training programs for the express purpose of providing free public training on the uses of broadband, including computer skills. Grant funds are available for the following:
2018 awardees can be seen at https://www.tnecd.com/news/476/tnecd-announces-52-digital-literacy-and-broadband-adoption-grants/.
Training funds for instructors are not competitive. Each library applying for training will receive training funds. The training funds do not require a match.
Funding for hardware/software is competitive, which means that each application will be scored and grant awards will be based on the scores received.
Funds for equipment and marketing will require a match that is based on your library level.
Public computer training is the foundational purpose of this grant. Each application MUST include provision for paying Instructors and providing classes.
Please note that there is a range of how much per hour an Instructor can charge, depending on the type of class. This range is from $50.00 for most classes, and up to $100.00 for advanced classes.
Eligible applicants are Tennessee public libraries.
Applications were to be submitted by September 10, 2018. A similar deadline is anticipated, annually.
Award amounts vary. The maximum grant request should not exceed $20,000.00. The Grant will run from January 15, 2019 – January 14, 2020. Training funds for instructors are not competitive. Each library applying for training will receive training funds. The training funds do not require a match.