Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2027)

Background
The Native Hawaiian Library Services (NH) program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), aims to assist organizations serving Native Hawaiians in enhancing library services within their communities. The program recognizes the evolving information needs of these organizations and seeks to empower them as knowledge and resource centers that contribute to community wellness. It supports a variety of projects across the islands and the mainland United States, focusing on addressing individual information needs and priorities.

Grant Details
The NH program supports projects that may include educational programming for all ages, oral history collection, digital media enhancements, institutional planning, professional training, research and development of cultural materials, digitization efforts, and furnishing library spaces. The primary goal is to strengthen library services through practices that serve community learning needs, improve well-being, ensure access to information, and provide emergency services. Projects must align with one of four objectives:
1) Serve community learning needs;
2) Improve well-being;
3) Provide access to information;
4) Offer services during emergencies.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. They should offer library services such as free access to books and media, research databases, job resources, reference services, and community events. Organizations can submit only one application under this announcement but may collaborate with other entities as long as they are the lead applicant.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for awarded projects is anticipated to be from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2029. Projects can last from one to two years.

Grant Value
IMLS expects to award a total of $750,000 through this funding opportunity. Individual awards will range from $50,000 to $150,000.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed across various locations serving Native Hawaiian communities.