Frequently Asked Questions on the ALVA Action Funds application

Thank you for your interest in the Advancing Library Visibility in Africa Action Funds (ALVA-AF) initiative. We recommend reading through the Call for Proposals (CFP) and also reviewing the slides used at the first information session for additional answers to questions that you might have. If you still have questions after reviewing those documents and this FAQ page, please contact us at alvaaf@uw.edu.

See page 2 of the CFP for eligibility criteria before applying.

ALVA-AF Documents

Key Dates:

Applications due: February 25, 2026, 11:59 PM (CAT) for Malawi 11:59 PM (EAT) for Uganda

Interviews for Selected Applicants: April 2026

Final Notification of Awards: May 2026

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can an organization submit more than one proposal?

An organization can submit more than one proposal. We would highlight that we have a very limited amount for funding projects so keep that in mind when you are thinking about your possible project proposals. No organization will receive funding for more than one project.

Can a person be a contact of two different project proposals?

Yes.

Who is a contact person?

The contact person is the name you will list on the application. The contact person should be someone who can answer questions about the proposal and ensure that any questions the reviewers have can be answered in case of request for additional information. Ideally, the contact person should be someone who will be involved in the day to day management of the project and knows the project context well.

The Call for Proposal references an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy – if our use of AI is disclosed, is there any disadvantage to applicants?

The scoring of proposals during the review process does not penalize the use of AI in the preparation of the proposal when used according to the policy and acknowledged. You can find the AI Use Policy on p. 4 of the CFP and it is reproduced here:

“AI Use Policy – Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to edit grammar and improve readability, but please do not use this application as a prompt and use AI tools to generate your answers to the application. Your project idea should come from you and your community. It is your thoughts that we want to hear and read, and your application should reflect your ideas.”

Can a project focus on a single theme / topic (e.g. technology only)?

Yes – you may pursue/propose a project in any area or theme, provided it supports meaningful community impact and responds to the needs you have identified within your community.

What is the total number of projects expected to be funded?

This depends on the amounts requested in the proposals – but we have funding to fund at least 6 projects in each country at the full amount of $2500 USD.

If implementing a project with a partner do I need to include the Partner Name in the proposal?

Yes – please list all partners and describe their role in the project in Q 14 of the proposal. Be sure to include how these partners engage and connect with the community and their role in supporting or extending impact of the project.

Are supplementary materials required for partner organizations?

No supplementary materials are required for partner organizations. However, these materials may be helpful to demonstrate that all organizations are established and have potential as a trusted partner.

Are there restrictions on what can be purchased with the awarded funds? 

No – your organization can propose the use of the funds as you see fit. Please provide a budget that is realistic and fits the scope of your project. A key component of the scoring is the financial feasibility of your project and its relation to community impact. Describing how the allocation of funds is related to that impact is a critical component of a successful proposal.

What is the difference between “Public” and “Community” libraries?

Generally speaking, public libraries receive support from municipal, regional, or federal levels of government whereas community libraries are funded directly by a community or non-governmental organization.

Our organization has an existing program or service that we wish to expand – can we submit a proposal for this? 

If your library has an existing project that it wishes to sustain or expand, that is acceptable for a proposal. We would recommend that you highlight the additional community impact that this funding would have with the existing program and the feasibility of expanding or sustaining the project beyond its current parameters.

What would be the actual time frame for the implementation of the project?

The time frame is flexible but based on the amount we expect that many projects can be implemented and completed within 6 – 12 months from the awarding of funding.

Our library is an initiative of an independent non-governmental organization (INGO / NGO) – can we apply for funding as the NGO if the library does not exist as a separate entity? 

Yes – please provide information that explains how the proposed project will be managed and its community impact.

Can I share a link for supplementary materials?

Yes, you can share a link to share media (photos/video) or other types of files in the application under Q7. We ask that the permissions are open for all to simplify reviewing.

Is it possible to share with us a few examples of projects proposed?

We are open to any type of projects that demonstrate their potential for community impact. We don’t have specific ideas in mind and want to provide flexibility to meet the needs in your community as you and your community have determined.

If you wish, you project may follow one of the following themes from the Call for Proposals, p. 2 as examples (not required):

  • Education (e.g. after school learning opportunities, supporting reading skills, book club)
  • Digital literacy (e.g. data privacy, artificial intelligence, recognizing online scams)
  • Job & Skills Training (e.g. training for bakers, safety for motor drivers, entrepreneurship)
  • Community History/Knowledge Preservation (e.g. community materials archiving, oral history collection)
  • Climate & Health (e.g. health information services for community members, community trash clean up)
  • Agriculture (e.g. information services for farmers, farming equipment loans, peer learning)
  • Any other theme that is relevant to your community

For other examples of library projects worldwide, see the Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) webpage, which highlights initiatives from their Public Library Innovation Programme.

Can a national library network submit an application for libraries in their network?

National libraries may apply, but priority will be given to regional branches as lead applicants due to our focus on direct community impact. – A single application award of 2,500 USD is likely not sufficient to support an entire library network. Libraries in the national network are encouraged to submit their applications individually. See below. 

Do you accept applications from libraries that are part of the national network of libraries?

Yes – individual applications may be submitted by a library branch.

We do not have official registration. Can we still apply?

Yes. Formal registration is one option, but applicants may also submit other material that shows your library or organization is an established institution and has presence in the community. 

Examples of material you can submit for evidence include a website, a page, photos, news articles, event videos, letters from community members.

I am an applicant who struggled to answer the question about how many people the project will impact. What should I do?

Provide your best estimate. The question is meant as a guide to help reviewers understand the scale of your project. A low number of people is ok – we understand a project that reaches a few people can still have a big impact. Please explain the impact in your application.

I am part of a community initiative created by individuals rather than a formal library. Can we apply?

Yes – but libraries should be involved. ALVA AF was created to support libraries and their work in communities. Consider partnering with a local library. You may still apply with a clear explanation of the role libraries will play, but priority is given to projects where libraries are active partners.

Is this opportunity open to libraries starting up or only to established libraries?

It is open to both. The fund is designed for established libraries, but start‑ups may apply. Start‑up proposals should clearly describe the expected community impact.

Will any portion of the funds need to be refunded?

No refund is required. ALVA AF is a grant and does not need to be repaid.

I am a library professional affiliated with a university academic library. Can I propose a project that benefits a rural community and lead it myself?

Yes you may apply, but a library as lead or in a substantive role in your project is required. ALVA Action Funds are for libraries and projects happening in and with libraries. We recommend applying via your current library employer with you as the contact person for the project, or applying with another library organization, if possible. Please note that academic library applicants should provide evidence of strong and direct service or project that benefits the public community outside their academic population and does not require fees to access.

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