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

March 13, 2026: Full application deadline

$6,000–$10,000 per award; estimated total program funding $1,700,000; project period is one year.

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

--- ## Description This grant program assists eligible Native American communities in developing, maintaining, and enhancing library services and operations. The goal is to help tribal libraries serve as vital knowledge and resource centers, addressing the evolving information needs and priorities of Native communities. Funding can support a range of activities, including acquiring library materials, developing community-focused programs, providing staff training, and supporting projects that combine multiple objectives. The program aligns with IMLS's mission to empower libraries as centers for learning, engagement, and cultural preservation. --- ## Due Dates - March 13, 2026: Full application deadline — submit complete application via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time --- ## Funding Amount - Individual awards are between $6,000 and $10,000. - Estimated total program funding: $1,700,000. - Approximately 170 awards are expected. - Project period is one year (anticipated start date: August 1, 2026; end date: July 31, 2027). - No cost sharing or matching is required. - Indirect costs are not allowed. --- ## Eligibility - Only federally recognized Native American tribal governments (including Alaska Native villages, regional corporations, or village corporations as defined by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act) are eligible. - The applicant must offer library and/or archival services to the community. Eligible services include, but are not limited to: - Free access to books, print and electronic media - Research databases - Job, employment, and career resources - Reference desk services - Space for reading, studying, and meetings - Events and activities such as programs, classes, and cultural events for all ages - Partnerships are allowed as long as the tribe is the lead applicant and meets all eligibility requirements. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361141) using Funding Opportunity Number: NAG-BASIC-FY26. - Required registrations: - Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) via SAM.gov - Current and active SAM.gov registration - Active Grants.gov registration with an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) - 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) - Applications must be complete and adhere to all formatting and content requirements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). - Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - Allowable costs include personnel, materials, supplies, equipment, accessibility resources, training, and programming directly related to project activities. - Unallowable costs include general fundraising, construction or renovation, indirect costs, and general advertising or public relations not related to the project. - Awards are non-competitive but require submission of a complete and eligible application. - Reporting requirements include financial and performance reports via IMLS’s eGMS Reach system. - See the [NOFO](https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/fy26-ols-nab-NOFO.pdf) for detailed instructions, requirements, and examples. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Native American Library Services Basic Grants](https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/native-american-library-services-basic-grants) - [Notice of Funding Opportunity (FY 2026) (PDF)](https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/fy26-ols-nab-NOFO.pdf) - [Grants.gov Listing and Application Portal](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 | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Programmatic/Grants Info | [imls-librarygrants@imls.gov](mailto:imls-librarygrants@imls.gov) | | IMLS General Info | [imlsinfo@imls.gov](mailto:imlsinfo@imls.gov) | | IMLS Phone | (202) 653-4657 | | IMLS Contact Page | [https://www.imls.gov/contact-us](https://www.imls.gov/contact-us) |

Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2026)

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