National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2027)

Background
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), aims to enhance the quality of library services across the United States. This initiative supports projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, archival practices related to American history, and the management of national information infrastructure.

The program encourages libraries to serve as civic centers for learning and culture, fostering community prosperity and collaboration among libraries, archives, and museums.

Grant Details
The NLG-L program supports various project types including:
1) Planning projects that analyze needs and develop work plans;
2) Forum projects that convene experts to explore important issues;
3) Community-Centered Implementation projects that adapt existing models to local contexts;
4) National Implementation projects that transform library services;
5) Applied Research projects investigating key questions relevant to libraries.

Projects should demonstrate national impact and may include activities such as leveraging technology, promoting health services, enhancing literacy programs, and building partnerships with civic institutions.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must be located in the U.S. or its territories and can include state or local government units, nonprofit organizations, libraries, archives, academic institutions, or consortia. Organizations must be operational at the time of application and provide library services to the public. Institutions serving rural or underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
Projects funded under this grant will have a performance period from August 1, 2027, through July 31, 2030. The duration may vary based on project type but generally ranges from one to three years.

Grant Value
IMLS anticipates awarding a total of $11,500,000 through this funding opportunity. Individual awards may range from $25,000 to $1,000,000 depending on project type with an average award amount historically around $264,123.

Place of Performance
The grant activities are expected to be performed in various locations across the United States and its territories.