Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2026)

The Native American Basic Grants program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides targeted support to Federally recognized Native Communities seeking to establish, sustain, or enhance library services for their populations. The grant reflects IMLS’s commitment to supporting knowledge access, community wellness, and cultural preservation in Indigenous communities through the development of local libraries and archival services. This opportunity is an annual, non-competitive formula grant designed specifically to meet the unique needs of tribal libraries across the United States and its territories. The funding program is part of IMLS’s broader goal of empowering museums and libraries to serve their communities through equitable access to information and lifelong learning. The primary objective of this program is to help tribal libraries respond to changing community information needs. It funds activities in four areas: acquiring library materials such as books and digital media; offering programs that address community-defined priorities (e.g., education, health, workforce development); supporting professional development for library staff through training and conferences; and implementing integrated projects that combine two or more of these objectives. Applicants must align their proposed activities with at least one of these objectives and describe their strategy for implementation in a required Library Services Plan. Eligible applicants are Federally recognized Indian Tribes, including Alaska Native villages, regional corporations, and village corporations, as defined by 20 U.S.C. § 9101(5) and § 9161. Eligible entities must offer some form of library or archival service to the community. Examples of qualifying services include access to books, media, databases, and programming for all ages. Partnerships are allowed and encouraged, but the tribal entity must be the lead applicant and award administrator. Ineligible applicants or incomplete applications will be disqualified. The program does not allow cost sharing or indirect costs and does not support general fundraising or construction/renovation activities. Applicants must apply via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 13, 2026, using the funding opportunity number NAG-BASIC-FY26. To apply, Tribes must be registered in SAM.gov, have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and an active Grants.gov account. Required application documents include the SF-424S form, the IMLS Discretionary Program Information Form, a Library Services Plan outlining project goals and budget, and the IMLS Budget Form. All components must follow specific file naming and formatting rules. Applications missing any required element may be rejected. The IMLS expects to award approximately $1.7 million in total funding through this opportunity, with about 170 awards anticipated. Each award will range between $6,000 and $10,000 for a one-year performance period starting August 1, 2026, and ending July 31, 2027. Award notifications are expected to be released in July 2026. Grantees are required to report on both the effectiveness and timeliness of their projects upon completion. Allowable expenses include staff salaries, supplies, training, and program costs. Indirect costs and certain other expenses such as construction, general fundraising, or entertainment are not eligible. Support and technical assistance are available to applicants through IMLS program staff, and webinars are offered to help applicants understand the requirements. For direct inquiries, the contact email provided is [email protected]. The official NOFO document and additional resources can be accessed through IMLS.gov. All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and agency discretion, and all applicants must comply with applicable federal regulations and assurances.

Use standard formats and filenames exactly as required; ensure SAM and Grants.gov registration well in advance.