GrantExec

Arts Big Read Program 2025-2026

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups in the U.S. to create engaging reading programs centered around selected books that explore the connection between people and the environment, fostering community dialogue and creativity.

$20,000
Forecasted
Nationwide
Recurring
Grant Description

The NEA Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs. These programs center around a selected book from the NEA Big Read Library and the 2025-26 theme, โ€œOur Nature: How Our Physical Environment Can Lead Us to Seek Hope, Courage, and Connection.โ€ The grants aim to foster meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate diverse perspectives, and build stronger community connections. Applicants must select one of 22 books that explore the relationship between people and the physical environment. Programming can include book discussions, kick-off events, author visits, panel discussions, artistic projects, and community storytelling activities. Creative programming is encouraged, and organizations are required to offer events such as a public kick-off, multiple book discussions, artistic activities, writing workshops, and opportunities for community voices to be publicly shared. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, federally tax-exempt entities, universities, tribal organizations, libraries, museums, and other community service organizations located in the United States or U.S. Territories. Applicants must partner with at least one library (unless the applicant is a library) and another community organization to develop programming. A minimum one-to-one match is required, which can be met through cash, in-kind contributions, or other non-federal funds. The application process has two steps: an Intent to Apply, due by January 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT, and a full application, due by January 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Applications are submitted through the SmartSimple online platform. Applicants must provide a detailed project budget, describe their chosen book and programming plans, outline community outreach strategies, and highlight how the project will address NEA Big Read goals and engage diverse audiences. All funded projects will take place between September 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Grant funds can be used for book purchases, speaker fees, promotional costs, and project-related staff salaries but cannot be used for refreshments, fundraisers, or non-project-related administrative expenses. Grantees are required to provide an activity listing 30 days before the project starts and a final report 30 days after completion, documenting event outcomes, audience engagement, and budget expenditures. Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel based on criteria such as artistic merit, audience engagement, resource management, and the overall planโ€™s alignment with NEA Big Read goals. Notifications of funding decisions will be sent in April 2025, and new grantees will participate in an orientation in June 2025. For additional resources, guidance, or questions, applicants can contact Arts Midwest at grants@artsmidwest.org or explore resources such as sample applications and accessibility tools on their website.

Funding Details

Award Range

$5,000 - $20,000

Total Program Funding

Not specified

Number of Awards

Not specified

Matching Requirement

Yes - 1:1 match required.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

City or township governments
Independent school districts
Nonprofits
State governments

Additional Requirements

Eligible applicants 501c3 non-profit organizations and other federally tax-exempt entities including, but not limited to: universities/colleges, school districts, public libraries, tribal organizations, museums, and community service organizations. Organizations located within the United States, US Territories, and the Native Nations that share this geography. Arts and cultural organizations in any arts discipline (literature, performing arts, visual arts, traditional arts, multidisciplinary arts, etc.) or nonprofit organizations that provide arts programming (social service agencies, etc.) Organizations that do not have overdue reports or funding moratoria with Arts Midwest. Organizations with or without a UEI number from SAM.gov, though applicants will need to have a UEI number on file by late April 2025 in order to receive grant funds. Apply for a free UEI at sam.gov. Can comply with Federal eligibility requirements.

Geographic Eligibility

All

Key Dates

Next Deadline

January 23, 2025

Submit a mandatory intent to apply

Application Opens

Not specified

Application Closes

Not specified

Contact Information

Grantor

Arts Midwest

Phone

Subscribe to view contact details

Newsletter Required
Categories
Arts
Education
Employment Labor and Training
Infrastructure
Health