NEA’s Read Across America 2026-27 State Affiliate Event Grant
Internal — National Education Association only
NEA’s Read Across America 2026-27 State Affiliate Event Grant supports state affiliates’ reading events and diverse book activities to put books in students’ hands and make reading accessible and joyful.
Funder: National Education Association
Due Dates: October 19, 2026 (Application) | December 4, 2026 (Notification by)
Funding Amounts: Up to $7,500 per award; $75,000 total funding
Summary: Supports state affiliate-coordinated reading events and activities that put diverse books into students’ hands and make reading accessible and joyful.
Key Information: Only NEA state affiliates may apply; local affiliates may collaborate but cannot submit applications.
Description
The National Education Association’s Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant supports reading events and activities for 2026–27 under the theme “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers.” The program emphasizes diverse books, connecting reading with joy, and the freedom to learn. In response to book and curriculum bans, NEA encourages proposals that put books featuring diverse characters and experiences into students’ hands.
Supported activities include guest-reader events with book giveaways, statewide Diverse Books Challenges, classroom or school book clubs, and virtual or in-person visits by diverse authors and illustrators. Affiliates may also partner with Little Free Library to install, fill, and maintain association-branded libraries. NEA strongly encourages activities that raise awareness of Read Across America’s year-round focus and make reading more visible, diverse, accessible, and joyful, particularly in schools serving students with the greatest need.
