ARPA Awards 2021: Home

The final report form is now available:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ARPAwaFINAL

Purpose

To achieve the American Rescue Plan Act’s purposes with respect to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants to States, this funding is to be used to in help communities respond directly and immediately to the pandemic, as well as to related economic and community needs through equitable approaches. IMLS sees the outcomes of the ARPA funding as the logical extension of the rapid and intentional rollout of the CARES Act of 2020 which helped address digital inequities. 

IMLS’ top spending priorities are:

• First, to support digital inclusion efforts to enable libraries, museums, and tribes to reach residents such as through internet hotspots, accessible Wi-Fi, and digital content and related resources, particularly in support of education, health, and workforce development needs.
• Second, to provide rapid emergency relief to libraries, museums, and tribes, allowing them to safely respond to the pandemic and implement public health protocols.

 The following types of data, among others, can inform efforts to reach underserved populations:    

• Poverty/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)   
• Unemployment  
• Broadband availability
• Digital inclusion efforts

We will try to support services that meet the needs of communities throughout the state, including costs such as technology, training, materials, supplies, equipment, and associated indirect costs.

*The Washington State Library is subject to the IMLS Grants to States program rules and regulations in the administration of the ARPA funds. This includes Cost Principles described in the Code of Federal Regulations.