Funding Opportunity Number: NLG-LIBRARIES-FY27
Assistance Listing: 45.312
Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
Deadline: November 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries program supports projects that develop, enhance, or adapt replicable practices, programs, models, or tools that strengthen library and archival services for the American public. FY2027 priorities include public learning and literacy, health and financial literacy, preservation and access to information, emerging technologies, community prosperity, emergency and disaster services, and collaborations among libraries, archives, and museums.
Funding: IMLS lists approximately $11.5 million in total program funding, about 45 expected awards, and an overall award range of $25,000 to $1,000,000. Project-type ranges are Planning Grants $75,000 to $200,000; Forum Grants $75,000 to $200,000; Community-Centered Implementation Grants $25,000 to $100,000; National Implementation Grants $75,000 to $1,000,000; and Applied Research Grants $75,000 to $750,000.
Cost share: Planning, Forum, Community-Centered Implementation, and Applied Research grants do not require cost share. National Implementation requests above $299,999 in IMLS funds require at least 1:1 non-Federal cost share.
Eligibility: Eligible lead applicants are qualifying units of state, local, or Tribal government or private nonprofit organizations that meet the FY2027 library, archives, consortium, association, academic or administrative unit, digital library, governmental library or archival agency, or affiliated nonprofit requirements. Partnerships are permitted, but an eligible lead applicant must assume programmatic, fiscal, and legal responsibility.
Application mechanics: Applications are submitted electronically through Grants.gov. The FY2027 package includes the SF-424S, IMLS Library Discretionary Program Information Form, a narrative of no more than 10 numbered pages, Schedule of Completion, IMLS Budget Form and Budget Justification, resumes for key personnel and consultants, Digital Products Plan, and Performance Measurement Plan, plus any conditionally required documentation.
Atlas assessment: Partner-Led. Dr. Miltie/QC is not an eligible prime applicant under the published lead-applicant classes. Route organization-specific evaluation to applicable state education pathways for qualifying libraries, public education entities responsible for eligible school libraries, academic libraries, consortia, archives, and eligible nonprofit library-support organizations.