National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is a competitive federal funding opportunity designed to advance high-impact projects that improve library and archival services for the American public. As part of its mission to empower museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking and research, IMLS supports initiatives that generate scalable, replicable models capable of addressing national needs in the library field. The FY 2026 cycle is particularly significant as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence, and applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that align with this historic context through civic engagement, historical education, and public service delivery. The NLG-L program invites a wide range of eligible applicants, including public, academic, and tribal libraries, archives, library associations, consortia, and nonprofit affiliates, provided they meet the specific organizational and geographic criteria outlined in the NOFO. Applicants must be located in a U.S. state, territory, or freely associated state and may be government entities or nonprofits. Projects must align with at least one of the agency’s strategic goals, such as championing lifelong learning, strengthening community engagement, or improving access to and stewardship of collections. The program encourages partnerships across libraries, archives, museums, educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and other civic institutions. This grant opportunity funds five distinct project types: Planning, Forum, Community-Centered Implementation, National Implementation, and Applied Research. Each has its own scope, award range, and cost-sharing requirements. For example, Planning and Forum grants range from $75,000 to $200,000 with no match required. Community-Centered Implementation grants provide $25,000 to $100,000, also without a match. National Implementation projects, ranging from $75,000 to $1,000,000, require a 1:1 non-federal cost share for requests over $299,999. Applied Research projects can receive up to $750,000 with no match required. The total anticipated funding available is $11.5 million, with approximately 45 awards expected. The average past award amount has been $264,123. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, materials, third-party services, accessibility enhancements, training, and program evaluation. Unallowable costs include fundraising, construction, general operating support, and promotional advertising. A complete application must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and include required components such as the SF-424S, narrative, budget form, schedule of completion, resumes, digital product and performance measurement plans, and conditionally required documents if applicable. Proposals will be peer-reviewed based on their justification, work plan, and anticipated results. Reviewers will assess how well the proposed project addresses a clearly defined need, builds upon existing knowledge, and delivers outcomes that are adaptable, generalizable, and impactful at the national level. Projects should include a dissemination strategy and sustainability plan. Special encouragement is given to organizations serving rural or historically underserved communities, and to those engaging in projects that promote American history, health and financial literacy, and civil society. Applicants may contact IMLS program officers with questions and are encouraged to review IMLS-hosted webinars for additional guidance. Award announcements are expected by August 2026, and funded projects must begin on September 1, 2026. Projects may span one to three years depending on the project type. The program is annual and recurring, with applicants advised to monitor for future deadlines. The full NOFO and supporting documents can be accessed through the IMLS website or Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number NLG-Libraries-FY26.

Clearly define project need, demonstrate national impact, and outline dissemination and sustainability strategy.