National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides funding to support projects that enhance library and archival services across the United States. This grant program is designed to promote the development, implementation, and dissemination of replicable models, tools, research, and programs that benefit libraries and the communities they serve. With a focus on national impact, NLG-L seeks to drive innovation and improvements in the library and archives fields through strategic investments in knowledge, technology, and partnerships. The 2026 grant cycle emphasizes the pivotal role libraries play in civic engagement, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information, particularly in light of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The NLG-L program funds five types of projects: Planning Grants, Forum Grants, Community-Centered Implementation Grants, National Implementation Grants, and Applied Research Grants. Planning and Forum Grants, each with a grant period of one to two years, support exploratory activities or convenings of experts to address key issues. Community-Centered Implementation Grants, also for one to two years, focus on adapting proven models to local contexts. National Implementation Grants and Applied Research Grants, which may last up to three years, support transformative initiatives and research with broad applicability and measurable results. Applicants may request between $25,000 and $1,000,000, depending on the project type. Cost share is required only for National Implementation Grants exceeding $299,999, which must provide a 1:1 non-federal match. The program prioritizes projects that align with IMLS’s broader strategic goals: championing lifelong learning, strengthening community engagement, and advancing collections stewardship and access. Applicants are expected to align their proposals with one of four program objectives: serving learning needs through libraries and archives; improving community prosperity; enhancing access to and preservation of information; or supporting communities during emergencies and disasters. Eligible projects may include workforce development programs, STEM education initiatives, digital preservation strategies, AI-based tools, and disaster response planning, among others. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to U.S.-based entities that are either units of government or private nonprofit organizations. Eligible applicants must also fall within one of seven specified organizational types, such as public libraries, library consortia, academic libraries, digital libraries, and affiliated nonprofit entities. The program is open to institutions located in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and freely associated states. Partnerships are encouraged, and in collaborative applications, one eligible institution must serve as the lead and assume fiscal and administrative responsibility. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 13, 2026. All applicants must have active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Required application components include a project narrative, budget forms and justification, resumes of key personnel, a digital products plan, and a performance measurement plan. For Applied Research projects, a Public Access Plan must also be included. Optional supporting documents such as letters of support or needs assessments may also be submitted. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Award notifications are anticipated in August 2026, with funded projects beginning on September 1, 2026. All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and agency discretion. Applicants with questions may contact the IMLS Office of Library Services via email at [email protected]. The grant program is recurring annually and is expected to continue offering funding opportunities in future years.

Align with IMLS program objective and clearly define national impact and replicability; use performance measures for effectiveness, efficiency, quality, and timeliness.