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Our "Better Together" and "Community Needs" Grants are open!
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November
November
LOI Due: November 11
Application Deadline: December 12
The Hometown Heritage Marker Grant Program supports communities in commemorating locally and regionally significant people, places, events, and stories through fully funded roadside historical markers. This nationwide initiative is designed to capture and share meaningful moments from community history—especially in areas without existing marker programs or for topics not eligible for state programs—helping preserve heritage, educate the public and celebrate milestones that shaped a community’s identity.
November 13
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative offered by the Institute for Museum and Library Services through the Museums for America program. It is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, policy development and institutional planning, technology enhancements, professional development, community outreach, audience development, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation.November 13
The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (ALHC) program supports projects that build the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums to serve their communities and advance the growth and development of a professional workforce in American Latino cultural institutions. The goals of this program are to:- Build the capacity of American Latino museums to serve their communities; and
- Support the growth and development of a professional workforce in American Latino museums.
November 13
The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program builds the capacity of African American museums and supports the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums. The program supports projects that nurture museum professionals, build institutional capacity, and increase access to museum and archival collections at African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The goals of this program are to:- Build the capacity of African American museums and HBCUs to serve their communities; and
- Support the growth and development of a professional workforce at African American museums and HBCUs.
November 13
The 21st Century Museum Professional (21MP) grant program supports projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and identify and share effective workforce education and training practices in the museum field. The goals of the program are to:- Support the professional development of the current museum workforce; and
- Recruit and train future museum professionals.
November 13
Museums Empowered (ME) is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program that supports projects that use professional development and training to generate change and growth within museums of all types and sizes. The goals of this program are to support staff learning and training in one of three areas: to provide museum staff with the skills to integrate digital technology into museum operations; strengthen the ability of museum staff to use evaluation as a tool to shape museum programs and improve outcomes; and strengthen and support museum staff as the essential part of a resilient organizational culture.November 13
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program (NLG-L) supports projects that develop, enhance, or adapt replicable practices, programs, models, or tools to strengthen library and archival services for the American public. The program supports projects that:- Serve the learning needs of the public through libraries and archives;
- Improve community prosperity through libraries and archives;
- Provide broad access to and preservation of information and collections through libraries and archives; or
- Provide services to affected communities in the event of an emergency or disaster.
November 13
The Native American Basic Grants (NAB) program assists eligible Native Communities in establishing, sustaining, and improving library services and operations with their communities. As information needs change, Tribal libraries must be able to serve as knowledge and resource centers to benefit their users and the wellness of their communities. The NAB program supports Native Communities across the country to address their individual information needs and priorities. The goal of this program is to improve library and archival services for accessing, learning, and preserving information with the community through the following objectives:- Support the acquisition of library-related materials;
- Support programming for identified community priorities;
- Support training for library staff; or
- Support project activities that include aspects of two or more of the objectives listed above.
November 13
The Museums for America (MFA) program invests in museums of all sizes and disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through educational programs and exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship activities. The goals of the program are to advance a museum’s capacity to:- Serve people of all ages and backgrounds through experiential learning and discovery;
- Respond to community needs; and
- Manage and care for collections and their associated documentation.
November 13
The National Leadership Grants for Museums program (NLG-M) invests in projects that address critical needs of the museum field. NLG-M projects have the potential to advance practice in the profession to strengthen museum services for the public through the development and replication of model practices, tools, research findings, and collaborations. The goals of the program are to advance the museum field’s ability to- Advance museum-based learning and engagement practices in the museum field;
- Advance the museum field’s ability to respond to community needs; and
- Identify new solutions that address high priority and widespread collections care or conservation issues.
November 13
The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program (NAE) is designed to assist eligible Native Communities in sustaining and improving library services with their communities. As information needs change, Tribal libraries must be able to serve as knowledge and resource centers to benefit their users and the wellness of their communities. The NAE program supports Native Communities across the country to address their individual information needs and priorities.NAE projects may involve, but are not limited to, activities such as:- educational programming for all ages;
- oral history collection and documentation;
- digital media and technology enhancements;
- institutional planning and policy development;
- professional training, internships, and mentorships;
- supporting and engaging with cultural practitioners and scholars;
- research and development of language and cultural material and tools;
- digitization and digital preservation, and
- furnishing of library spaces for staff and public, within existing constructed spaces (please note that IMLS funds are not allowed for construction).
November 13
The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) supports the training and professional development of library and archives professionals; developing faculty and information leaders; and recruiting, educating, and retaining the next generation of library and archives professionals in order to develop a diverse library and archival workforce and meet the information needs of their communities.The program supports projects that:- Develop or enhance practices, programs, or initiatives encouraging diverse or underrepresented students to pursue careers in library and information science;
- Develop or enhance initiatives, programs, or curricula to increase the capacity of institutions to educate or retain diverse or underrepresented library and information science students;
- Develop or enhance professional development and training programs to enable the library and archival workforce to meet the needs of their communities; or
- Support the research of untenured, tenure-track library and information science faculty, furthering the faculty member’s long-term research agenda, career trajectory, and professional development.
November 30
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) makes this state funding available to public library jurisdictions for renovation, construction and improvement projects that result in more accessible library facilities. Projects may remove architectural barriers from a library building or site, remediate conditions hazardous to health or safety, renovate or expand an existing building for use as a library, or construct a new library. Refer to Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 134.45. No grant will exceed the total available amount of $750,000 during this application cycle. Please note that partial grants may be awarded. The term of the initial grant period is anticipated to be from July 1, 2026, through July 1, 2031.December
December
Opens: November 1
Letter of Inquiry due: December 1
The Shavlik Family Foundation awards grants to Minnesota based charitable, non profit organizations that are recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) public charities or Tribal governments for any type of technology project that will improve how they meet their mission. The organization must be working to improve the lives, culture or environment of Minnesota.
December 16
The Public Humanities Projects program supports projects that bring the ideas of the humanities to life for general audiences through public programming. Projects must engage humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history. Awards support projects that are intended to reach broad and diverse public audiences in non-classroom settings in the United States. Projects should engage with ideas that are accessible to the general public and employ appealing interpretive formats.
December 20
Operation Round Up is a program that allows members of the People's Energy Cooperative to simply "round up" electric bills to the next highest dollar and that monthly contribution to the trust fund is as little as a penny, but never more than 99 cents. The concept behind the program is to extend the principle on which electric cooperatives were built over 80 years ago - neighbor-helping-neighbor. ORU contributions are used primarily in the local area served by the Cooperative for charitable and educational purposes, including emergency energy assistance. The funding priority categories are: Community Service; Economic Development; Education and Youth; Environment; Emergency Energy Assistance. Contributions will generally be made only to non-profit organizations that have been granted tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(C) (3).
December 31
T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Elected officials, town managers/employees, tribal leaders, and nonprofit community leaders from town with a population less than 50,000 can apply for up to $50,000 in funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest.January
January
January 8
These grants primarily fund projects that can be completed within 12 months. Small grants award notifications are sent eight weeks after the application deadline. While there is no pre-application process for small grants, Grants Office staff are available to discuss your project as you prepare your application. If not funded, you will receive feedback on your application so that you can strengthen it and re-apply in another cycle. Structured grants, a simplified small grant option, are tailored to specific types of projects, such as developing a disaster plan for a small repository, acquiring microfilm, or conducting a museum self-assessment. All structured grants are small grants, and follow the small grants process listed above; however, the applicant must simply use the appropriate short form structured grant application rather than the standard Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Grants application form. MNHS small grants are awarded quarterly, and applications are due on the second Friday of January, April, July, and October.
January 10
These grants support two categorical projects that encourage public awareness on the rise and importance of graphic literature, sequential art, and comics as a literary medium. The objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries is to facilitate library-generated programs and services that will promote graphic novels to library patrons and to the local community. Applicants must be a member of ALA.
January 12
The NEA Big Read is a grant of up to $20,000 to help bring communities together around the shared activity of reading and discussing the same book. These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. Grantees will receive funding for their programming and purchasing books, and tools to support them in working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading meaningful book discussions. NEA Big Read programs vary and can be as short as a week or as long as several months. Beyond discussions of the book, organizations may choose to include a kick-off event, invite the author for a visit, or have other events inspired by the content and themes of the book. These may include panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, poetry slams, writing workshops and contests, and community storytelling events.January 12
This grant awards funding ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs centered on a single NEA Big Read book. As our nation approaches its 250th year, the program aims to celebrate America’s artistic and cultural heritage, spark meaningful conversations, elevate diverse voices, and strengthen community connections. Grants support both programming and book purchases, along with tools to help organizations build partnerships, promote their events, and lead engaging discussions. NEA Big Read programs can range from a week to several months and often include author visits, kick-off events, performances, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities inspired by the book’s themes.January 13
The National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP) is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress (LC) to create a national digital resource of historically significant newspapers published between 1690 and 1963, from all the states and U.S. jurisdictions. This searchable database will be permanently maintained at LC and will be freely accessible online (see the Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers website). The accompanying US Newspaper Directory of bibliographic and holdings information on the website directs users to newspaper titles available in all types of formats. During the course of its partnership with NEH, LC will also digitize and contribute to the NDNP database a significant number of newspaper pages drawn from its own collections.
January 20
The Stephen T. Riedner Grant for Life Enhancing Library Programs for People Living with Dementia presents a citation and a grant of $2,500 each to two libraries to support the creation of new services and/or new programming to directly serve those living with dementia. Applications that describe only existing services or programming are not eligible for this grant. The founder wishes to encourage institutional commitment to serving this population.
January 21
Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL) is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) program that raises funds for public libraries to make science kits as easy to check out as a book! The grant provides funding to establish a circulating science kit collections program. Libraries should expect to use their own funds to maintain the circulating science kits for a number of years. Libraries that already have a circulating science kit collection are not eligible. The grant may fund any or all STEM subject areas. Breadth is encouraged but some electrical, electronics, and/or computer kits should be included.
January 22
The Minnesota legislature and Governor Walz have allocated $1 million to the State Capital Projects Grants-in-Aid program, which is administered by the Minnesota Historical Society. The purpose is to support historic preservation construction projects of a capital nature for publicly owned buildings. The minimum grant is $10,001. There currently is no request cap. Funds must be matched at least 1 to 1. Matching funds may be cash, in-kind, and/or donated services or materials contributed to the project. State funds may not be used as a match. Applicants must be a political subdivision eligible to receive state bond funds as defined in Minnesota Statutes sections, 16A.695 and 138.0525. The primary recipients of state capital project grants are public entities. The property for which funds are being requested must be publicly owned and must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, or have been determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register by the State Historic Preservation Office.
January 25
This program will award grants of $500 and $1,000 to support libraries in need. Specifically, grant funds will assist Friends of Library groups with priority projects. Additionally, in-kind book donation grants of $500 will be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles. To be eligible for a cash or in-kind grant, Friends groups must be in support of a rural/small U.S. library. Grants will be administered by United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, whose mission is to support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries. Grant funding is provided by Penguin Random House. In addition to a grant of $500 or $1,000, or a book donation grant, recipients will also receive complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries, including a year of access to United for Libraries Learning Live monthly webinars which present in-depth training to library Trustees/Board Members, Friends, Foundations, advocates, and those who work with them, and training on how to leverage the grant funds to build support for the library and the Friends group.
January 26
Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. It offers three grant opportunities for eligible nonprofit theater organizations:- Schools Program: Supports Shakespeare-related performances and educational activities for middle and high school students. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $25,000.
- Juvenile Justice Program: Brings Shakespeare-related theater experiences to juvenile justice facilities. Non-matching grants range from $15,000 to $25,000.
- Apprenticeship Program: Provides paid apprenticeships for early-career theater professionals in administrative and technical roles. The programming that apprentices support does NOT have to be Shakespeare related.
February
February
February 1 (3:30 PM)
The AASL Innovative Reading Grant awards up to $2,500 to projects that support the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for K-9th learners which motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers.February 1 (3:30 PM)
The ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant is given to school library associations that are AASL Chapters for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional, or local levels. Possibilities include programs that:- Involve new members;
- Train on-going leaders;
- Prepare school librarians to be building or district level leaders;
- Encourage collaboration among organizations.
Rolling Deadline
Rolling Deadline
Through the grant program, Digital Navigators will work with schools, districts, libraries, and community partners to create programming that helps families navigate today’s digital world safely, responsibly, and confidently. Projects will primarily use AT&T ScreenReady resources and may also incorporate All4Ed’s ready-to-use Digital Literacy Workshops. Each selected project will receive up $1,000 in support plus a $500 leadership stipend for the Digital Navigator leading the project.
The Americana Foundation provides grants for projects focused on the preserving expressions of America’s heritage, supporting an inclusive narrative of early American art & history, and programming focused on American heritage. Grants typically range between $10,000 and $25,000 and usually are awarded for a one-year period. Americana's grant application process has two stages: a letter of intent and a full application. LOIs can be submitted any time. The board considers full grant applications four times per year, usually in February, May, September, and December.
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Foundation (BJFF) primarily provides funds to support education, art, and outreach programs and projects. In general, the foundation desires to support specific activities that result in a defined outcome rather than general operating funds or fundraising campaigns. While the foundation activities have historically been located in Indiana and Florida, requests from around the country will certainly be considered. All recipients must have a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. Applications may be submitted between April 1 and December 31 via the Online Grants Manager. They will be screened and evaluated upon receipt to determine eligibility.
The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization. Applications may be submitted at any time. Applications submitted by 10:59 PM CT on the last day of the month will be considered in the following month.
The mission of the Jan Stauber Grants is to provide needed financial assistance to persons and organizations developing literacy programs and other educational experiences that will introduce young people to Sherlock Holmes. Applications can be submitted at any time, and libraries can be awarded up to $1,000 for a project.
The Jeffris Family Foundation invites applications for grants from the Jeffris Heartland Fund, to support the development of important historic preservation projects in the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The decision to pursue a grant from the Jeffris Heartland Fund must be made in consultation with a Director of the Foundation to discuss your project and request a Jeffris Heartland Fund application form. Directors can also assist grant-seekers with the application process, provide related technical assistance to guide wise and constructive use of the grant funding, and administer grants once awarded. Applications, once invited, are accepted at any time. Award notices are issued within approximately 30 days of receipt of the application. Grants will be made in the range of $5,000 to $50,000 to cover 50% the cost of an Historic Structure Report, and must be matched dollar-for-dollar with cash from sources unrelated to the Jeffris Family.
The PFund Foundation offers event sponsorships for events, gatherings, conferences, and convenings serving a primarily LGBTQ+ audience. Sponsorship amounts typically range from $500 - $1,000 and organizations are limited to receiving one sponsorship per calendar year. Applications are reviewed on the last Monday of each month. After grants are reviewed, payment processing takes about 4 weeks. Please make sure to apply at least 60-days before your event date.
Through the Impact Library Program, Little Free Library provides free book exchanges where they can have a meaningful impact in the United States. The program aims to strengthen community ties, inspire readers, expand easy book access, positively influence literacy outcomes, and make Little Free Libraries available in high-need areas. Applications are reviewed monthly and applicants are notified by the end of the month after the month they applied.
The Arts & Culture program funds organizations across many artistic disciplines and cultural practices and support structures that equip and empower artists and culture bearers to practice, to produce, and to lead. This grant provides general operating (unrestricted) and specific program/project (restricted) grants to organizations, groups, and Tribal Nations primarily in Minnesota.
This program seeks to build vibrant and equitable communities for all Minnesotans by working to transform existing systems and create new ones that enable every resident, regardless of race, geography, or income, to have opportunities for upward economic mobility, individual and generational wealth building, access to stable, affordable housing, and an ability to meaningfully and fairly engage in civic and democratic processes. We provide operating and project grants to organizations in Minnesota. With very few exceptions, applicants must be classified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to be eligible for a grant. Government entities may apply for funding for innovative projects. However, we generally will not fund activities that are traditionally the sole responsibility of government.
The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund helps to build the capacity of existing preservation organizations and encourages collaboration among these organizations by providing grants for mentoring and other peer-to-peer and direct organizational development and learning opportunities. The purpose of these grants is to support the leadership and effectiveness of staff and board members of preservation organizations to fulfill their mission and to create a stronger, more effective preservation movement. By linking organizations with specific skills/programs to those seeking to develop similar abilities, the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund promotes individualized mentoring and the sharing of expertise. Valuable lessons can be learned from someone who has successfully navigated the same situation that an organization currently faces. Grants from the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund support travel costs and mentor honoraria with a maximum reimbursement of $2,500. Only Organizational Level Forum members or Main Street America members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation are eligible to apply for funding from the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund grant program. To learn more about Forum and join today, visit our website.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. More than 93,000 properties are listed in the National Register, representing 1.8 million contributing resources (e.g. buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects). When a property or district is placed on the National Register, the designation does not include funding for a plaque or sign. As a result, many do not have any signage. The Pomeroy Foundation bridges this gap to provide grants so public properties & historic districts can commemorate their placement and share this achievement with their community.
The Rural Technology Fund provides grants for Rural Technology Education projects and Assistive Technology projects. If you are interested in applying for funding to support your project, please review the grant types at the link below and be sure you submit to the correct application. Applications are reviewed and grants are awarded every 30-60 days, and there are no specific deadlines for applying. Grant are available to school and organizations operating in the United States.
- Open to All Library Types
- Application Deadline: Rolling, Closes December 31, 2026
- Amount: $1,000
- Report & Reimbursement Deadline: May 31, 2027
Believe in Reading awards grants to existing and provably successful literacy programs. Organizations that have been designated as having tax exempt status according to the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3), or its equivalent for educational institutions, including public libraries, can apply. Believe in Reading will consider funding programs that serve any age or aspect of supporting reading and literacy, including adult literacy, English as a second language projects, or Braille related projects for the blind or visually impaired. Because addressing literacy is not a short-term process, Believe in Reading’s grants are renewable for up to a maximum of three years, but a first year award does not guarantee any subsequent awards. At this time, the maximum grant amount is $10,000, however the vast majority of grants awarded are for $3,000 or less. First time applicants will not be funded for more than $3,000.
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