Partnerships

Can partners participate in award activities?
When we make a grant for a project that involves partner(s), the lead applicant organization is the grantee and is legally responsible for the use of all grant funds and for ensuring that the project is carried out by the partner(s) in accordance with the terms of the grant and all applicable federal laws, regulations, and requirements. The applicant must be the fiscal agent but may subcontract with partners for other specific activities or services. Each partner is legally responsible for carrying out the activities that it agrees to perform and for complying with the terms of the grant and all applicable federal laws, regulations, and requirements.

We encourage the lead applicant to include a letter of support from each partner, detailing the activities that the partner plans to perform and indicating that the partner agrees to comply with the terms of the grant and all applicable federal laws, regulations, and requirements.

Are partnerships with other federal agencies permitted?
You may partner with other federal agencies, when appropriate to the project. However, it is important to remember that federally appropriated funds, whether they are disbursed directly to you by an agency of the federal government or indirectly through another organization, do not count toward your cost share. See Budget Document guidance for further information on cost sharing.

Are international partnerships permitted?
While we do not make grants to non-U.S. entities, such entities may partner with eligible U.S. organizations on an IMLS-funded project. We encourage non-U.S. libraries and museums to participate and contribute fully to the project. Such participation, however, does not count toward your cost share. See Budget Document guidance for further information on cost sharing.