Opportunity Information: Apply for LB21 FY21 P2
The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) aimed at strengthening and modernizing the nation s library and archives workforce. At its core, the program is focused on building a more diverse pipeline of professionals and ensuring that librarians and archivists are prepared to meet rapidly evolving learning, research, and information needs across the United States. The opportunity is positioned within the arts and humanities funding activity areas (with cultural affairs relevance) and is tied to CFDA number 45.313.
LB21 is designed to improve how library and archives professionals are trained, supported, and advanced throughout their careers. It emphasizes several connected goals: expanding and enhancing education and professional development opportunities for current practitioners, cultivating strong faculty and future educators, developing library leaders who can guide institutions through change, and recruiting, educating, and retaining the next generation of librarians and archivists. In practical terms, projects funded through LB21 typically align with workforce development, leadership training, curriculum innovation, mentorship or residency models, and other strategies that help the field respond to new technologies, shifting community expectations, and changing patterns of information access and use.
A key feature of this grant opportunity is its two phase application structure, which is intended to reduce the upfront burden on applicants while allowing IMLS to invite the most promising concepts to move forward. Phase I requires submission of a short preliminary proposal limited to two pages. For the cycle described, Grants.gov accepted Phase I preliminary proposals until 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on October 2, 2020. After review of preliminary concepts, IMLS selected a subset of applicants to advance to Phase II. Only those invited applicants could submit Phase II applications, which are full proposals. Grants.gov accepted these invited full proposals until 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on March 26, 2021, which also served as the original closing date for the opportunity listing.
From a funding standpoint, the opportunity lists an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000 per award and anticipates making around 25 awards. The funding instrument is a grant. The posting notes that eligibility is categorized broadly as "Others" and directs applicants to look at the Additional Information on Eligibility section in the full notice for precise definitions and constraints, meaning eligibility likely depends on specific organizational types or partnerships described in the program guidance rather than being limited to a single standard category.
Administrative details in the source data show the opportunity number as LB21 FY21 P2 and a creation date of February 3, 2021, reflecting the Phase II posting timing. Overall, LB21 is best understood as a national capacity building program for the library and archives profession, backing projects that strengthen professional preparation and ongoing development, broaden participation and representation in the field, and build leadership and instructional capacity so libraries and archives can better serve the public in a changing information landscape.Apply for LB21 FY21 P2
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (2021)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.313.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 03, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 26, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) - FAQs
What is the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21)?
The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It is focused on strengthening and modernizing the nation's library and archives workforce by improving education, training, professional development, and leadership capacity across the United States.
What is the main purpose of LB21?
LB21 supports projects that build the capacity of the library and archives profession. The program emphasizes creating stronger preparation pathways, expanding professional development for practitioners, developing leaders and educators, and supporting a more diverse pipeline of librarians and archivists who can meet evolving learning, research, and information needs.
Which federal agency administers this grant opportunity?
This grant opportunity is offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Is this considered arts and humanities funding?
Yes. The opportunity is positioned within arts and humanities funding activity areas and is described as having cultural affairs relevance.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is tied to CFDA number 45.313.
What kinds of projects does LB21 typically fund?
Projects funded through LB21 typically align with workforce development and modernization efforts, such as leadership training, curriculum innovation, professional development initiatives, and models like mentorships or residencies. In general, the program supports strategies that help librarians and archivists respond to new technologies, changing community expectations, and evolving patterns of information access and use.
What workforce goals does LB21 emphasize?
LB21 emphasizes connected goals including expanding and enhancing education and professional development for current practitioners, cultivating faculty and future educators, developing library leaders who can guide institutions through change, and recruiting, educating, and retaining the next generation of librarians and archivists.
Does LB21 focus on diversity in the library and archives profession?
Yes. A core focus is building a more diverse pipeline of professionals for the library and archives workforce.
What is the application structure for this opportunity?
LB21 uses a two-phase application structure designed to reduce the upfront burden on applicants. Phase I involves a short preliminary proposal, and Phase II is a full proposal submitted only by applicants who are invited to advance after Phase I review.
What is required in Phase I?
Phase I requires submission of a short preliminary proposal limited to two pages.
When was the Phase I submission deadline for the cycle described?
For the cycle described, Grants.gov accepted Phase I preliminary proposals until 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on October 2, 2020.
Who can submit a Phase II application?
Only applicants who were selected after Phase I review and invited by IMLS could submit Phase II applications.
When was the Phase II submission deadline for the cycle described?
For the cycle described, Grants.gov accepted invited Phase II full proposals until 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on March 26, 2021.
What was the original closing date for the opportunity listing?
The March 26, 2021 deadline also served as the original closing date for the opportunity listing.
Where were applications submitted?
Applications were submitted through Grants.gov for both Phase I preliminary proposals and invited Phase II full proposals.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The opportunity lists an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000 per award.
How many awards does the program anticipate making?
The opportunity anticipates making around 25 awards.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is LB21 FY21 P2.
What does the creation date indicate?
The source data lists a creation date of February 3, 2021, reflecting the timing of the Phase II posting.
Who is eligible to apply?
The listing categorizes eligibility broadly as "Others" and directs applicants to review the "Additional Information on Eligibility" section in the full notice for precise definitions and constraints. This implies eligibility may depend on specific organizational types or partnerships described in the program guidance rather than a single standard category.
What is LB21 trying to achieve at a national level?
LB21 is described as a national capacity-building program for the library and archives profession. It supports projects that strengthen professional preparation and ongoing development, broaden participation and representation in the field, and build leadership and instructional capacity so libraries and archives can better serve the public in a changing information landscape.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA)
Next opportunity: FY21 NRCS-IL Monarch Butterfly Opportunity
Previous opportunity: Cultural and Educational Small Grants Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for LB21 FY21 P2
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (LB21 FY21 P2) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant Apply for NAG BASIC FY21 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Collections Assessment for Preservation Program Apply for CAP FY21 Funding Number: CAP FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant (2021) Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY21 Funding Number: NAG HAWAIIAN FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant (2021) Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY21 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| IMLS American Rescue Plan Apply for ARP FY21 Funding Number: ARP FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2022) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY22 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2022) Apply for LB21 FY22 Funding Number: LB21 FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Museums for America (2022) Apply for MFA FY22 Funding Number: MFA FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Inspire! Grants for Small Museums (2022) Apply for IGSM FY22 Funding Number: IGSM FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Museums (2022) Apply for NLG M FY22 Funding Number: NLG M FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Museums Empowered (2022) Apply for ME FY22 Funding Number: ME FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2022) Apply for AAHC FY22 Funding Number: AAHC FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2022) Apply for NANH FY22 Funding Number: NANH FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2022) Apply for NAG BASIC FY22 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants (2022) Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY22 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2022) Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY22 Funding Number: NAG HAWAIIAN FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2022) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY22 P2 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY22 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2022) Apply for LB21 FY22 P2 Funding Number: LB21 FY22 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2023) Apply for LB21 FY23 Funding Number: LB21 FY23 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "LB21 FY21 P2", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.