The Colorado State Library, within the Colorado Department of Education, is accepting FY 2026-2027 applications for State Grants to Libraries. The Colorado Legislature appropriated nearly $3 million for eligible publicly funded school, public, and academic libraries to purchase educational resources that support literacy and learning.
Applications must be completed in GAINS by September 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM. CDE’s controlling page does not state a time zone, so Atlas is not assuming one. One grant is awarded per public-library jurisdiction, academic institution, or school district. School districts are the sole applicants on behalf of their school libraries.
Projected allocations follow a tiered formula: $4,500 for populations/enrollments under 1,000; $5,000 for 1,000-4,999; $5,500 for 5,000-9,999; and $5,500 plus $0.23 per capita above 10,000. The current projected allocation chart ranges up to $167,588 for Denver Public Library. Awards are reimbursement-based for eligible purchases made during the July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027 performance period.
Eligible uses include books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and electronic information resources. Applicants must maintain existing local/state library funding so the grant does not replace local revenue. CDE lists no separate mandatory match or cost-share requirement.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 82/100. This is a broad, recurring Colorado education-funding opportunity with a formula-based allocation and a short remaining application window. N9+ Fit Score: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. The funds are restricted to educational library resources and do not create a legitimate telehealth, connected-exam, clinical-service, or N9+ procurement pathway. Atlas should publish and track the opportunity without forcing a Dr. Miltie sales fit.
Submission and approvals: School-library applications require approval from the District Board Chair, Superintendent or other designated authority, plus the designated library coordinator when applicable. Applications are fully submitted only when GAINS shows “LEA Authorized Representative Approved.” Program contact: Melissa Carlson, carlson_m@cde.state.co.us, 720-737-1829.
Source verification: Colorado Department of Education / Colorado State Library. Always use the current CDE State Grants to Libraries page, Application and Eligibility guidance, GAINS instructions, and any subsequent updates as controlling sources.