2027–2028 National Endowment for the Arts Big Read: Arts Midwest administers this national, federally funded financial-assistance competition supporting community-wide literary reading and arts programs. The 2027–2028 theme is Read Like a Champion: Celebrating Great American Sports Stories, with projects built around a selected book from the official list of 18 titles. The program welcomes eligible nonprofit and public-benefit organizations, not commercial vendors seeking a procurement contract.
Applicant-level funding: The controlling guidelines’ introduction and Grant Awards section allow requests from $5,000 to $30,000. However, a separate eligibility bullet on the same official guidelines page states $15,000 to $30,000. This inconsistent lower threshold requires clarification from Arts Midwest before relying on a request below $15,000. Approximately $1,476,500 across an anticipated 65 awards is the overall program pool, not an individual grant.
Deadlines: Phase 1 eligibility review must be submitted by January 12, 2027, at 12:00 noon Central Time. Phase 2 full proposal is due January 26, 2027, at 12:00 noon Central Time. Approved programming must take place September 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028.
Eligibility: U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other federally tax-exempt organizations in the United States, territories, and Native Nations may qualify, including colleges, universities, public libraries, school districts, museums, tribal organizations, and community service organizations. Applicants need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), good standing with Arts Midwest, and compliance with federal award requirements.
Matching and program requirements: Applicants must provide a one-to-one nonfederal cost share, so the eligible total project budget must be at least twice the award request. Each project must feature an approved Big Read title and partner with a library (unless the applicant is a library) and at least one community organization. Higher-education applicants need a partner library independent of their campus. Required activities include a public kickoff, at least three book discussions, one book-related presentation, and one community-engaging artistic project or activity.
Allowable uses and restrictions: Eligible project costs include book purchases, artist or speaker honoraria, staff salaries, project supplies, promotion, and venue rentals. Ineligible uses include food, refreshments, alcohol, cash prizes, capital equipment, duplicative federal expenses, sporting-event expenses, recreational sporting equipment, and certain entertainment or fundraising costs. Budgets must comply with applicable federal 2 CFR 200 requirements.
Application: Register in Arts Midwest’s SmartSimple grants portal and complete both required stages. Review the current 2027–2028 application guidelines, federal award restrictions, and program FAQ. Contact Arts Midwest to clarify the inconsistent minimum request amount when planning a grant under $15,000.
Official controlling sources: Arts Midwest Big Read program and full applicant guidance and the 2027–2028 Big Read Application Guidelines (reviewed October 29, 2026).