National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is offering National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) in FY2026 to support libraries as civic centers of learning and culture. The grant aims to enhance library services nationwide, with a total funding of $11,500,000 for approximately 45 awards ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000. Key areas of focus include commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, connecting workers with skilled trade jobs (EO 14278), promoting health and wellness, fostering partnerships with civic institutions, facilitating family-friendly programming, leveraging new technologies like AI (EO 14277), and promoting civil dialogue (EOs 14188, 14202). Eligible applicants include various library and archival organizations, units of government, and non-profits in the U.S. and its territories. Applications are due by March 13, 2026, and must be submitted through Grants.gov, requiring prior SAM.gov registration. Projects should align with IMLS goals to champion lifelong learning, strengthen community engagement, and advance collections stewardship and access, with specific project types like Planning, Forum, Community-Centered Implementation, National Implementation, and Applied Research. Cost-share requirements vary by project type, with National Implementation projects over $299,999 requiring a 1:1 match. Applications will be evaluated based on project justification, work plan, and results, including a Performance Measurement Plan and, for digital products, a Digital Products Plan. Certain costs are unallowable, such as general fundraising and facility construction.