Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2026)

The Native American Basic Grants program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides crucial support to Federally recognized Native American Tribes and Alaska Native corporations for enhancing library and archival services. IMLS, an independent federal agency, is committed to advancing and supporting America’s libraries and museums through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The Native American Basic Grants (NAB) initiative aligns with IMLS’s overarching mission, especially in advancing community engagement, lifelong learning, and collections stewardship across Native communities in the United States. This funding opportunity supports Tribes in establishing, sustaining, or improving their library and archival services. Libraries in Native communities are uniquely positioned to serve as hubs of knowledge, access, and cultural preservation. Through this program, eligible entities can enhance their capacity to deliver services that meet evolving informational, educational, and cultural needs. The program’s stated objectives include supporting the acquisition of library materials, providing programming aligned with community priorities (such as workforce development or health information), facilitating professional development for library staff, and enabling projects that span multiple objectives. Projects may include acquiring books or digital resources, offering classes, cultural programming, or expanding library hours and services. The program is open exclusively to Federally recognized Indian Tribes and Alaska Native villages or corporations that provide library and/or archival services. These services may include free access to printed or electronic books, databases, job and career resources, reference services, and events or classes for all age groups. Tribes must be recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and listed in the most current Federal Register update. The funding does not require a cost share or match, and applicants must not include any match in their budgets. Additionally, only one application per Tribe for this specific program is allowed, although Tribes may apply to other IMLS grant programs for separate projects. Eligible applicants must register and apply through Grants.gov. The application package must include the SF-424S organizational form, a completed IMLS Library – Discretionary Program Information Form, a concise Library Services Plan (recommended two pages), and the IMLS Budget Form. The Library Services Plan must detail the proposed activities, expected outcomes, partner involvement, performance tracking measures, and a budget justification aligned with the IMLS Budget Form. All attachments must follow strict formatting and naming conventions, and all documents must be uploaded electronically via Grants.gov Workspace. The FY 2026 application deadline is March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Notification of awards is expected in July 2026, and projects must begin on August 1, 2026, with a performance period concluding on July 31, 2027. The total amount of funding expected to be awarded is approximately $1,700,000, distributed across an anticipated 170 recipients, with individual award amounts ranging from $6,000 to $10,000. IMLS reserves the right to fund additional proposals from the unfunded pool if funds permit. Evaluation of applications is not competitive; all complete and eligible applications submitted by the deadline will be funded. This non-competitive approach ensures equitable support for Tribal libraries, recognizing their essential role in cultural preservation and community wellbeing. While there are no indirect costs allowed under this program, most direct costs necessary to fulfill project objectives are permitted, including materials, staff training, equipment, and honoraria for speakers or cultural leaders. Awardees are required to submit final performance and financial reports via the IMLS’s eGMS Reach platform and acknowledge IMLS support in any project materials or publications.

Follow exact file naming conventions and formatting; applications missing components will be rejected.