OpenFederal grantNLG-LIBRARIES-FY27

National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library ServicesCloses Nov 13, 2026(31 days left)$25,000 – $1,000,000

Does this fit your business?

This is a federal program for libraries and their partners — governments, nonprofits, universities, and tribal entities — funding projects that improve library services nationwide, from literacy programming to emerging technologies and library-archive-museum partnerships. For-profit businesses, including small businesses and sole proprietors, cannot apply and should not spend time on it. Cost sharing is required, so applicants must bring their own matching resources.

Best for
Libraries and library systems, Archives and museums partnering with libraries, Nonprofits and higher education institutions working on library or information projects, Tribal and government entities running library services
Not for
For-profit businesses and small businesses of any kind, Retail, finance, or real estate companies with no library or archive role, Applicants unable to meet the cost-sharing requirement
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Education & TrainingMatches your industry (education)
75
Strong Match
Arts & CultureMatches your industry (museum)
71
Good Match
Social Services & NonprofitMatches your industry (community)
66
Good Match
Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation
54
Possible Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Finance & BankingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Food & BeverageLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
ManufacturingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Programming, Technology, Planning, Research, Technical assistance, Capital projects
Who can apply
State and local governments, Nonprofits, Colleges and universities, Tribal governments and organizations
Award range
$25,000 – $1,000,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is November 13, 2026. The opportunity was posted on September 1, 2026.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
Awards range from $25,000 to $1,000,000. The program expects to make about 45 awards from a total of $11,500,000.
Who can apply for this grant?
Applicant types include government entities, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and tribal organizations. The eligibility text defers to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, which typically covers libraries, archives, museums, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and government entities.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
No. For-profit businesses, including small businesses, may not apply, so a sole proprietor or single-member LLC is not eligible.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits are among the eligible applicant types, and the program description typically includes them alongside libraries, archives, museums, and government entities.

Summary

IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries fund projects that enhance library services nationwide, including literacy, emerging technologies, preservation, disaster response, and library-archive-museum partnerships. Eligibility per the NOFO; typically libraries, archives, museums, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and government entities. Cost sharing required.

About this grant

National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) projects enhance the quality of library services nationwide. The program supports projects that: promote adult reading, and health and financial literacies; focus on programming and archival practices related to our shared American history; manage and preserve the national information infrastructure; serve the public’s information and education needs; enhance library and information services through effective and efficient use of new and emerging technologies; improve community prosperity; provide emergency services to communities during disasters and emergencies; and build collaborative partnerships between libraries, archives, and museums that benefit the communities they serve.

Who can apply

Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.

See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility requirements.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Libraries
  • Education
  • Community development
  • Technology
  • Arts

Program contact

Institute of Museum and Library Servicesimls-librarygrants@imls.gov202-653-4634

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