State Grants to Libraries

In the 2025 legislative session, the Colorado Legislature appropriated nearly $3 million in the state's budget to fund the State Grants to Libraries Act. The funds will be available to eligible publicly funded school, public and academic libraries to fund grants for library materials as defined in the statute (see CRS 24-90-401). The purpose of the funds is for educational materials in libraries that support efforts to improve literacy and learning.

Final Funding Allocation for 2025-2026

The Colorado State Library is pleased to announce that 313 libraries will be receiving State Grants to Libraries for 2025-2026! The Colorado Legislature appropriated nearly $3 million in grant funds because of the continued impact they provide to the communities the libraries serve. Final funding amounts for 2025-2026 (PDF) are available here (one grant awarded per library jurisdiction, academic institution, or school district).

Timeline

• July 23, 2025: Application opens in GAINS
• September 15, 2025: Applications due by 4:00 PM in GAINS
• October 2025: Final award amounts announced
• July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026: grant performance period
• May 1, 2026: Final expenditure report (FER) available for those done requesting funds
• July 15, 2026: Last day to request funds
• September 30, 2026: FER due
  Instructions in GAINS Support and Training section below