[Institute of Museum and Library Services](https://www.imls.gov)

March 13, 2026

$25,000–$1,000,000 per award; $11,500,000 total program funding; 1–3 years/project type dependent; cost share required for some types

Supports projects that develop, enhance, or adapt replicable practices, programs, models, or tools to strengthen library and archival services for the American public.

--- ## Description The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program funds projects that aim to advance library and archival services across the United States. The program seeks proposals that develop, enhance, or adapt practices, programs, models, or tools that can be replicated to benefit the broader library and archival fields. Supported projects may focus on serving public learning needs, improving community prosperity, increasing access to and preservation of information and collections, or providing services during emergencies or disasters. Projects must demonstrate potential for national impact and scalability. --- ## Due Dates - **Full application deadline:** March 13, 2026 (by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total program funding:** $11,500,000 (estimated) - **Expected number of awards:** 45 - **Award size and duration (by project type):** - **Planning Grants:** $75,000–$200,000 (1–2 years; no cost share required) - **Forum Grants:** $75,000–$200,000 (1–2 years; no cost share required) - **Community-Centered Implementation Grants:** $25,000–$100,000 (1–2 years; no cost share required; only one application per institution) - **National Implementation Grants:** $75,000–$1,000,000 (1–3 years; requests over $299,999 require at least 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources) - **Applied Research Grants:** $75,000–$750,000 (1–3 years; no cost share required) - **Average past award:** $264,123 --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following: - Be located in the U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or Republic of Palau. - Be a unit of state, local, or Tribal government or a private, nonprofit organization. - Qualify as one of the following: - A library or its parent organization (school district, municipality, state agency, academic institution) - An academic/administrative unit (e.g., graduate school of library/information science) - A digital library or archives with public access and professional staff - A library/archival agency officially charged with extending public library/archives services - A library/archives consortium - A library/archives association serving professionals and advancing the field - A nonprofit affiliated with a library or archives (with appropriate agreements) - Native American Tribal organizations are encouraged to apply if they meet the above criteria. - Applications from ineligible applicants will not be reviewed. --- ## Application Process - **Registration:** Applicants must have an active SAM.gov account, a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and be registered in Grants.gov. - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov Workspace by the deadline. - **Required components:** - SF-424S (Application for Federal Domestic Assistance/Short Organizational Form) - IMLS Library – Discretionary Program Information Form - Project Narrative (max 10 pages) - Schedule of Completion - IMLS Budget Form and Budget Justification - Resumes of key staff/consultants - Digital Products Plan - Performance Measurement Plan - Conditionally required documents (e.g., proof of nonprofit status, indirect cost rate agreement, public access plan for research projects) - **Supporting documents (optional):** Letters of support, bibliographies, needs assessments, etc. --- ## Additional Information - **Cost share:** Required only for National Implementation Grants requesting more than $299,999. - **Project types:** Applicants must select one project type per application; only one application per institution is allowed for Community-Centered Implementation. - **Review process:** Peer review based on project justification, work plan, results, and impact. - **Award notification:** Expected August 2026; projects begin September 1, 2026. - **Reporting:** Interim and final performance and financial reports required. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: National Leadership Grants for Libraries (IMLS)](https://imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/national-leadership-grants-for-libraries) - [FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/fy26-ols-nlgl-NOFO.pdf) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361140) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Program Questions | [imls-librarygrants@imls.gov](mailto:imls-librarygrants@imls.gov) | | Grants.gov Support | support@grants.gov / 1-800-518-4726 | | IMLS General Info | [imlsinfo@imls.gov](mailto:imlsinfo@imls.gov) / (202)-653-4657 | | IMLS Website | [https://www.imls.gov/contact-us](https://www.imls.gov/contact-us) | ---

National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)

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