Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grants – Improvement Track, State Fiscal Year 2027
The Minnesota Department of Education is accepting competitive applications for public library improvements, including renovation or expansion of existing facilities, construction of new public libraries, and remediation of building conditions hazardous to health or safety.
Funding
Current cycle individual Improvement award ceiling: $750,000. Although the underlying statutory Improvement maximum is $1,000,000, MDE expressly states that no grant will exceed $750,000 in this application cycle. The department estimates $2,000,000 in total program funding across Accessibility and Improvement tracks; this is not an individual applicant award. Partial awards may be offered.
Eligibility, match and application
Eligible direct applicants: Minnesota regional public library systems, regional library districts, and cities or counties operating libraries under Minnesota law. Both tracks require a 1:1 dollar-for-dollar local match from non-state sources. Expenses incurred before the state End Grant Agreement is executed cannot be reimbursed. Projects totaling $1,500,000 or more require a predesign review before the grant application and a legislative recommendation after award.
Applications are due November 30, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Email the signed application coversheet, assurances and program narrative as one PDF and the completed Excel budget as a separate file to mde.compgrants@state.mn.us. Include a partner letter, project drawing or floor plan, and a site plan if the proposal involves a new building or addition. A Minnesota SWIFT Supplier ID is required. Review the track-specific cover sheet, instructions, application rubric, and current questions-and-answers before submission.
The projected grant period is July 1, 2027 through July 1, 2032. MDE official program page and track-specific forms; controlling 15-page application instructions.
Track-specific restrictions: Applicants must use the Improvement Grant application rather than the Accessibility form. Projects must comply with building accessibility, capital-project, reporting, insurance, wage, and reimbursement requirements. For new buildings and additions, include the required site plan and relevant predesign approval when applicable.