Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Opportunity Online Hardware Grants

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Opportunity Online Hardware Grants have reached Nebraska. This last round of hardware grants is for public libraries only, and focuses on sustaining library technology services. To emphasize the need for ongoing local funding to update computer hardware, the two-phase grant requires matching funds for the hardware component while providing free advocacy training to help public libraries raise those funds. Eligibility for these grants is based on two parts: 1) data on poverty concentrations, free school lunches and unemployment which were compiled by the Foundation, and 2) data provided by each library on its public access computers in the TechAtlas Computer Inventory through WebJunction. Only those public libraries that meet the initial criteria (part 1) are invited to complete the Computer Inventory (part 2). Nebraska public libraries who have met the initial criteria set by the Foundation have been sent letters via regular mail (NOT e-mail) inviting them to complete the TechAtlas Computer Inventory. Details about the grant and instructions on how to complete the Computer Inventory were included in the mailing. Please note that there is no appeals process available with this grant. The Nebraska Library Commission strongly urges eligible public libraries to take advantage of this grant opportunity. While the hardware component does require matching funds, the free advocacy training provided is excellent and will help not only with this project but future ones. The Nebraska Library Commission is acting as the intermediary on behalf of the Foundation for this grant and will be verifying completion of requirements and dispersing the funds. If you have any questions about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Opportunity Online Hardware Grants, please contact Christa Burns, 800-307-2665, or 471-3107 or Devra Dragos, 800-307-2665, or 471-4335.