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Our "Better Together" and "Community Needs" Grants are open!
For Information on SELS Grants, Click Here!
October
October
October 15
Does your community have a great piece of folklore that should be shared? Legends & Lore is designed to promote cultural tourism and commemorate legends and folklore as part of our heritage. Generally speaking, folklore is the stories, customs, traditions, and expressive arts and crafts that are passed on from one person to another, often from generation to generation. Folklore is the knowledge that people share as members of a group or community. Our shared identities and sense of belonging are the result of shared traditions, stories, customs, and activities.
October 15
This grant program supports current dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network (NPPN) with grants focused on strengthening preservation organizations and addressing pressing issues in the preservation field. This year, grant-funded projects will fall in one of three categories:- Advocacy
- Capacity Building
- Climate Change
October 20
This grant program is administered by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) for digitizing rare and unique content stewarded by collecting organizations in the US and Canada. The program is designed to support efforts to digitize materials that deepen public understanding of the histories of people of color and other communities and populations whose work, experiences, and perspectives have been insufficiently recognized or unattended. These often “hidden” histories include but are not limited to, those of Black, Indigenous, Latine, and other People of Color; Women; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-binary, and other Genderqueer people and communities; Immigrants; Displaced populations; Blind, Deaf, and Disabled people and communities; and Colonized, Disenfranchised, Enslaved, and Incarcerated people. The program is generously supported by the Mellon Foundation.
October 31
The DAR Historic Preservation Grants provide financial assistance for projects that preserve historic objects and sites. Examples include restoration of historic buildings; digitization or preservation of documents/records; preservation of historic items/artifacts; restoration, rededication or relocation of existing historical site markers; cemetery headstone and monument conservation. Projects from all eras and chapters of American history are eligible to apply. The maximum grant is $10,000, and smaller projects are encouraged. Please note that each application must be accompanied by letter from a sponsoring DAR chapter or state organization (find a local DAR chapter here).November
November
November 1
Grants of $1,500 are intended to assist the costume and textiles collection of a small museum (including historical societies, historic houses or sites, and other similar institutions) that has a very limited budget and staff. Funding may be used to support the care, conservation, and/or exhibition of costume and textiles that have historic, regional, or other significance and are intended for preservation.
November 1
The Site Preservation Grant is intended to fund projects that uphold the AIA’s mission to preserve and protect the world’s archaeological heritage for future generations. The goal of the grant, which carries a maximum award of $15,000, is to enhance global preservation efforts and promote awareness of the need to protect threatened archaeological sites. The AIA seeks to support projects that not only directly preserve archaeological sites, but those that also include public outreach and education components that create a positive impact on the local community, students, and the discipline of archaeology as a whole.Opens: October 6
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.
National Leadership Grants for Museums
National Leadership Grants for Museums
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.
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.Rolling Deadline
Rolling Deadline
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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