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

March 13, 2026 (Application deadline)

$6,000–$10,000 per award; 1-year project period; ~$1.7M total, ~170 awards expected

Supports federally recognized Native American communities in establishing, sustaining, and improving library services and operations.

--- ## Description The Native American Library Services Basic Grants program provides direct support to federally recognized Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages, regional corporations, or village corporations for the enhancement of library and archival services. The program aims to help Native communities serve as knowledge and resource centers, adapting to changing information needs and supporting the wellness and priorities of their communities. Funding can be used for acquiring library materials, developing community-focused programming, training library staff, and projects that combine these elements. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: March 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time - Anticipated notification of award decisions: July 2026 - Project period: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027 --- ## Funding Amount - Award range: $6,000–$10,000 per project - Average award: $10,000 (based on prior years) - Estimated total program funding: $1,700,000 - Expected number of awards: 170 - Project period: 1 year (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027) - No cost sharing or matching required - Indirect costs are not allowed --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be federally recognized Native American tribal governments or Alaska Native villages, regional or village corporations, as defined by 20 U.S.C. § 9101(5) and § 9161. - The applicant must offer library and/or archival services to the community (e.g., free access to books, media, research databases, job resources, programming, and space for community use). - Only eligible Tribes or Native Entities may apply as lead applicants; partnerships are allowed if the Tribe is the lead and meets all requirements. - Applications for renewal of currently active IMLS awards are not eligible. - Multiple applications may be submitted for distinct projects through other IMLS programs. --- ## Application Process - Register your Tribe in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). - Register in Grants.gov and ensure your Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is set up. - Prepare the following required documents: - SF-424S (web form in Grants.gov) - IMLS Library – Discretionary Program Information Form (PDF) - Library Services Plan (PDF, up to 2 pages recommended) - IMLS Budget Form (PDF) - Submit the complete application package via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361141) by the deadline. - Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - Awards are non-competitive and provided to all eligible applicants who submit complete applications by the deadline. - Allowable costs include personnel, materials, travel, training, program expenses, and direct project costs. - Indirect costs, fundraising, construction, and general advertising are not allowed. - Awardees must comply with all federal regulations and reporting requirements. - See the [FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)](https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/fy26-ols-nab-NOFO.pdf) for detailed instructions and requirements. --- ## External Links - [Program Page (IMLS)](https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/native-american-library-services-basic-grants) - [FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/fy26-ols-nab-NOFO.pdf) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361141) - [List of Federally Recognized Tribes (Federal Register)](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/11/2024-29005/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Program & application info | imls-librarygrants@imls.gov | | General IMLS inquiries | imlsinfo@imls.gov, (202) 653-4657 | | Grants.gov technical help | support@grants.gov, 1-800-518-4726 | | Federal Service Desk (SAM) | www.fsd.gov, 1-866-606-8220 | ---

Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2026)

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