arts · humanities · IMLS

National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)

Institute of Museum and Library Services · NLG-LIBRARIES-FY26

Closed

Award Range

$25K – $1.0M

Total Program Funding

$11.5M

Expected Awards

Deadline

March 13, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026). Institute of Museum and Library Services. The National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program (NLG-L) supports projects that develop, enhance, or adapt replicable practices, programs, models, or tools to strengthen library and archival services for the American public. The program supports projects that serve the learning needs of the... $25,000-$1,000,000 per award; $11,500,000 total program funding; ~45 awards expected.

Who Should Apply

Other eligible entities

Who Should NOT Apply

Individuals and organizations outside the specified eligible types

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility requirements
•Cost sharing/matching required
•Deadline: 2026-03-13

💡 GrantQuick Tip

Budget for cost-sharing match. Demonstrate institutional commitment and matching funds clearly in your proposal.

Competitiveness: Moderate to high — federal grants are always competitive

What This Grant Funds

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program (NLG-L) supports projects that develop, enhance, or adapt replicable practices, programs, models, or tools to strengthen library and archival services for the American public. The program supports projects that serve the learning needs of the public through libraries and archives; improve community prosperity through libraries and archives; provide broad access to and preservation of information and collections through libraries and archives; or provide services to affected communities in the event of an emergency or disaster.