2025 Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange Scholarship Grant Policy & Guidelines

The Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange (CMLE) Governing Board has designated funds for Scholarship/Grants to enhance individual professional development, strategic planning, library spaces enhancements, enhanced services, collections and programming at the local level. These scholarship/grants are open to library staff and affiliated support organizations working for the enhancement of public, school, academic and special libraries within the twelve county regions of CMLE.

The 2025 Scholarship/Grant application is available on the application page. Scholarships/Grants are available in 2025 and individuals may apply for up to $1,000 for any in-state or regional event (IA, WI, Dakotas) and $2000 for national events or events  out of region (AASL, ACRL, PLA, ALA, ISTE) Applications will be reviewed and CMLE staff will send notifications of approval of funding via e-mail within 7-10 business days. Libraries and individuals may only receive one grant per year and funding is first come first served. All grant reimbursements will be sent to the grantee’s organization for the documented expenses. Paid receipts will be required for reimbursement, along with an online grant
report, staff evaluation, and a copy of a thank you letter to MN House/Senate Legislators representing the area. (See sample letter format to legislator here)

Examples of Scholarship/grant professional development/programs/projects are:

  • Attendance at professional conferences, workshops, seminars, etc.
  • Payed registration fees for online webinars or library related continuing education
  • Library enhancements provided through Friends of the Library or Library supporting organizations with approval of library staff and/or school administration.
  • Development of STEAM kits for library patrons or a mobile STEAM cart for programming
  • Making the library more user-friendly with the purchase of a new story time rug, improved shelving, new and improved signage, early literacy endcaps
  • Creation of Memory Kits for caregivers of adults experiencing memory loss
  • Contract with an author or presenter for a virtual or in-person presentation
  • Musical, educational, motor activity series of programs for preschoolers.
  • Grant applications that exceed $1,000 will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

What is covered by Scholarship Grants

  • Actual expenses for the event, based on receipts submitted
  • Registration, lodging, meals not included in conference or registration
  • Parking, mileage/transportation
  • Cost of substitute to cover duties while attending an event
  • Books/publications that are required for participation

Ineligible expenses:

  • Dues to professional associations or other organizations.
  • Meals included in event registration. (If meals are included and the recipient chooses not to partake of the meal, no reimbursement will be made for alternative meals.)
  • Alcoholic beverages & refreshments as they relate to an event.
  • Tuition fees for ongoing library certification/degree program. (A single class that is demonstrably related to the applicant’s current position may be considered).
  • Scholarships and enhancement grants will not be awarded retroactively.

Staff and libraries receiving grants will be required to submit a completed Request for Reimbursement form, all paid receipts (copies accepted), a completed online Grant Report to be shared with the CMLE Governing Board, a completed online Staff Evaluation, (if applicable) and a copy of a Thank You Letter to Minnesota House/Senate Legislators representing the library area. The Scholarship/Grant Report will include a description of the scholarship/grant request/program, the age range of participants, how many people participated (if applicable), and anecdotal stores and feedback from staff to show the benefit of the program, workshop, conference or seminar. Reports may be submitted via email to    CMLE .org.

The Request for Reimbursement form, paid receipts, report, and staff evaluation are due to CMLE within 30 days of completion. Reimbursement requests will not be processed by CMLE staff until all documents have been received. Please note that all expenditures must follow public purpose guidelines as published by the League of Minnesota Cities. CMLE cannot reimburse for mileage, hotel, or meals for non-employees to attend conferences, seminars or workshops.