The Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange (CMLE) Governing Board has designated funds for Scholarship/Grants to enhance individual’s professional development, library spaces, services, collection and programming at the local level. These scholarship/grants are open to all CMLE members and individuals working in public, school, academic and special libraries the twelve Central MN counties.
The 2024 Scholarship/Grant application is available on the application page. Scholarship/Grants are available in 2024 and individuals may apply for up to $1,000 for any in-state or regional event (IA, WI, Dakotas) and $1500 for a national event or event out of region (AASL, ACRL, PLA, ALA, ISTE) Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly and CMLE staff will send notifications of approval of funding via e-mail within 7-10 business days. Libraries and individuals can only receive one grant per year and funding is first come first served. All grants are reimbursements to the grantees for the expenses and paid receipts will be required for reimbursement, also 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.
- Development of STEAM kits for library patrons or a mobile STEAM cart for programming
- Make the library more user-friendly with the purchase of a new story time rug, improved shelving, new and improved signage, early literacy endcaps
- Create Memory Kits for caregivers of adults experiencing memory loss
- Contract with an author or presenter for a virtual or in person presentation
- Payed registration fees for online webinars or library related continuing education
- Grant applications that exceed $500 will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
What is covered by CMLE Grants?
- Actual expensed 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
- Scholarships/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 day of the completion. Reimbursement request 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.