Grants & Awards

As a CLRC member, you're eligible for a variety of grants and awards. See the below for details and to apply.

Catalyst Grant

CLRC is excited to announce our new Catalyst Grants to replace our New Initiatives Grants. Our goal is to fund projects that are new to you and help meet your community’s needs. We want to help you either advance or expand your organization’s mission. Those interested will work with CLRC staff before completing a full application.

CLRC Library Awards

Each year we open up the CLRC Library Awards to our members in two broad categories — Library of the Year and Library Staff All-Star. Library of the Year will be awarded to one CLRC member library. Library Staff All-Star will be awarded to one staff member of a CLRC member library.

Access & Digitization Grants

CLRC’s Access & Digitization Grant program, previously known as “RBDB Grants,” empowers member libraries and institutions to make resources available to a wider audience.  Grants are available to facilitate projects involving digitization, metadata creation, and retrospective conversion. 

Professional Development Awards

CLRC offers awards to members for continuing education and professional development opportunities. For use by library staff and library students to attend workshops, conferences, and more, these awards are issued on a quarterly basis.

2024 Solar Eclipse Grants

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, with many libraries in Central New York in the path of totality. CLRC wants to help support your eclipse programming! We’re offering mini-grants to help fund more supplies, programming already planned or in process, or anything else you might need to make the most of this event for you and your patrons.