Gates Foundation Grants for Public Libraries

Beginning August 2, 2002, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will mail letters and application forms to libraries eligible to receive free computers, and to libraries eligible to purchase computers.

The Foundation has identified 378 Iowa public libraries eligible to receive free computers. (View the list of eligible libraries alphabetically by city or Library Service Area.)  Libraries with 10 percent or more of their service population in poverty may apply for an Eligible Library Building Grant. This grant provides funds for the purchase of computers, printers, switches, and wiring. Some libraries may also be eligible for funds for networking equipment and charges, and a content server.

Libraries serving communities with less than 10 percent of their population living in poverty qualify for a Purchase Option Grant. This grant program allows libraries to use their own funds to purchase the same Gates library computers and content servers that are available to Eligible Library Building Grant recipients.

Calculating Poverty Levels: The Gates Foundation determines each library’s eligibility by calculating a service area poverty level (SPOV) and a service area population (SPOP). If the SPOV is greater than 10 percent, the building is eligible for the free computers. The SPOP value determines the number of computers a building is eligible to receive. The method used for determining SPOP and SPOV includes accurately mapping a library’s location and then using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to extract U.S. Census statistics for a radius around the library. (Note: The Gates Foundation calculates poverty levels differently than the federal e-rate program.)

Appealing Eligibility: Appeals based on a disagreement with the method the Foundation uses to consider eligibility will not be considered. However, if your region has experienced significant changes that have affected your library’s SPOP or SPOV, you may base your appeals on these changes. Examples might include industry closures, increase in migratory populations, changes in the socioeconomic makeup of the region, and significant changes in infrastructure. Information about how to appeal eligibility status will be included in the "Grants and Eligibility Guidelines," which should come with the application form.

If you need assistance in completing your grant application, please contact your Library Service Area.