State Grants-in-Aid (SGIA)

What is SGIA?

In 1981, the Arizona legislature developed State Grants-in-Aid (SGIA) to help Arizona libraries meet the information needs of Arizona residents. SGIA provides construction funding to public libraries, and annual awards to county libraries and to municipal libraries in cities with populations of 100,000 or more.

Who Qualifies?

In order to qualify for SGIA, libraries must:

  • Be organized as a governmental unit or a non-profit organization.
  • Agree to the Arizona State Library Resource Access and Attainment Policy.
  • Provide library services free of charge to all residents within the library area.
  • Be open to the public on a regular basis with regular, posted hours.
  • Be in good standing with the State Library by submitting library statistics and all other reports in a complete, accurate and timely manner.
  • Adhere to any requirements specified in the Arizona Revised Statutes, including but not limited to ARS 9-411 through 9-420 (Cities and Towns/Public Libraries); ARS 11-901 through 11-914 (Counties/Public Libraries); and ARS 34-502 (Computer Access/Harmful to Minors).

How Can Funds Be Used?

  • State funds will be used for library services county or citywide. Funds will not be used for indirect or administrative costs.
  • County/city will expend no less than the amount of state grants-in-aid awarded in the same fiscal year for county/citywide library services. SGIA requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match. State money may not be substituted for local match.
  • The recipient agrees to submit a final report, which includes a narrative, budget and certification.

Construction Grants (SGIA-C)

Public libraries meeting the qualifications outlined on this page may apply for construction funds. State Grants-in-Aid Construction funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis through a competitive process, and require a dollar-for-dollar local cash match.

The application process is in two stages. First, submit the online Intent to Apply form by 11:59PM on August 31, 2023. After reviewing the Intents, the State Library will invite a limited number of applicants to complete a full application. The invitation to apply should not be construed as a precursor to an award; the SGIAC process is extremely competitive. Click here to see an example of a full SGIAC application.

Please review the guidelines below for instructions.