PLAN member libraries may apply for funding assistance with Innovation Projects to foster innovation through New Services, New Programs, and the use of New Technologies. Or put a new twist on some old service or procedure.
Libraries complete a short but detailed application that includes: scope of the project, need that the funding will address, resources required, activities with timeline, and how the project will be sustained.
- Projects may be multi-year, depending on the availability of funding. Multi-year applications should specify the amounts requested, the activities and the expenditures for each year.
- Large and small awards will be considered but projects of $5,000 or more will require a match.
- The application requires the approval from Library Director and the agent, office, or board to whom the Director reports.
- Applications will be evaluated by PLAN’s Board of Directors based upon the merits of the application and the availability of funds.
- PLAN will not issue funds directly to the library. PLAN will purchase materials/equipment on behalf of the library.
Application Submission & Completion Timeline:
- Innovation Project Applications must be submitted to PLAN by October 20 of the fiscal year (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30) in which the funding is requested.
- Applications may be submitted via email, fax (850.235.2286), or mail.
- The PLAN Board will review the applications and select those that will be funded by November 30.
- Libraries receiving awards will be notified in December.
- A written report must be submitted by August 31.
- Recipients will share information about their project by presenting at a PLAN conference (breakout session, lightning round, or poster session), conducting a PLAN webinar, or writing a blog post for the PLAN website.
2018-2019 Innovation project recipients:
Click on Project name to view a copy of the project application.
| Apalachicola Memorial Library | Your Library, Too! – Serving Marginalized Populations | $4,000.00 |
| Escambia Schools – Pensacola HS | Virtual Reality for PHS Library | $3,518.00 |
| Gadsden Co PL | Digital Workforce Integration | $4,999.00 |
| Hurlburt Field Library | 3D Commandos – Design, Discover, Deploy | $4,758.00 |
| NRWLS | Adult Technology Education Lab Upgrade | $4,655.00 |
| NRWLS | Parker Library Children’s Nook | $4,868.30 |
| NRWLS | Stargazing @ Your Library | $1,175.85 |
| NRWLS | Strengthening Resilience through Community Engagement | $4,999.00 |
| OCPLC – Robert L.F. Sikes PL | Foundational Life Skills Through Creative Literacy | $2,750.00 |
| Panhandle Public Lib. Coop. Sys. | PPLCS Portal | $3,000.00 |
| Pensacola State College | Digitization | $4,650.00 |
| UWF Historic Trust Archive | Scanning Station | $4,428.00 |
| WILD – Wakulla Co PL | Book Drop Cart & Signage | $1,111.00 |
| WILD – Wakulla Co PL | WCPL Library of Things | $2,000.00 |
View reports of 2014-2015 Innovation Projects.
View reports of 2015-2016 Innovation Projects.
View reports of 2016-2017 Innovation Projects. View reports of Virtual Reality projects.
View reports of 2017-2018 Innovation Projects.