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 make reading more accessible and joyful for students.
Funder: National Education Association
Due Dates: October 23, 2026 (Application) | December 11, 2026 (Notification by)
Funding Amounts: Up to $7,500 per award; $75,000 total funding
Summary: Supports state affiliate-coordinated reading events and diverse-book activities that make reading more accessible, visible, and joyful for students.
Key Information: Only NEA state affiliates may apply; local affiliates may participate through a state affiliate’s proposal.
Description
The National Education Association’s Read Across America Event Grant supports state affiliate-coordinated events and activities grounded in “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers.” Its foundational priorities are diverse books, connecting reading with joy, and the freedom to learn. In response to book and curriculum bans, the program encourages proposals that put books featuring diverse characters and experiences into students’ hands and strengthen awareness of Read Across America’s year-round focus.
Supported activities include guest-reader events where students choose books to take home, statewide Diverse Books Challenges, regular read-alouds, classroom or school book clubs, association-branded Little Free Libraries, and virtual or in-person visits by diverse authors and illustrators accompanied by book distribution. Activities should be member-driven and student-focused, targeting schools whose student populations are in greatest need.
