Action for Libraries
BCR Distributes Gates Opportunity Online Grants
By Ellen Fox
BCR is pleased to have been designated an intermediary organization for the states of Colorado and Kansas for the new Opportunity Online grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The two-year $8.3 million Opportunity Online hardware grants program is intended to provide funding for new or additional public computer workstations along with associated training and tech support. The invitation-only program is focused on serving populations most in need and libraries that are vulnerable to having their technology services become obsolete. Eligible libraries are working now to obtain local funding commitments that demonstrate community support for maintaining computer upgrades. These grants are expected to be the last round given by the foundation to support vulnerable technology in U.S. libraries.
As an intermediary, BCR's role is to administer the Opportunity Online hardware grants designated for the eligible libraries in Colorado and Kansas. BCR has been responsible for conducting all activities necessary to successfully achieve the goals of the grant program, including:
- Helping the libraries develop a proposal, budget and other documentation to be submitted to the foundation;
- Communicating with eligible libraries about grant program requirements, opportunities and available funding;
- Disseminating tools and templates developed by the foundation to assist libraries in the grant-matching process;
- Verifying fulfillment of the match requirement;
- Delivering, tracing and reporting on the grant funding provided by the Gates Foundation.
BCR staff is enjoying the opportunity to talk to and work with libraries in Kansas and Colorado to help them better serve their communities. We look forward to continuing the partnership with the libraries and with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the years ahead.
Learn more about the Gates Opportunity Online Grants.