FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2006

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, emaxwell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Request for Proposals:

The Big Read Initiative Grant Applications and Guidelines Are Available Online

First Application Deadline: September 12, 2006

Washington, DC—The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum in Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest to revitalize the role of reading literature in American popular culture. The Big Read provides comprehensive materials and training to help communities read and discuss a single book. To support discussion of classic literature, The Big Read provides a national publicity campaign, regional networking opportunities, and a Web site with comprehensive information on authors and their works.

The Big Read has grants ranging from $5,000–$20,000 (depending on community size) to expand the effort to communities across the U.S. Approximately 100 organizations of varying sizes in all 50 states will be awarded grants through two selection cycles for participation in 2007. The grant application deadline for projects supported in the first half of the year is September 12, 2006. The second deadline will be in April 2007.

Eligible applicants include museums and libraries; nonprofit organizations; and divisions of state, local, or tribal governments. Colleges and universities are eligible to apply to The Big Read. School districts, high schools, and middle schools are welcome as community partners, but they are not eligible applicants.

Grants must be matched 1:1 with nonfederal funds. Matching funds can be both cash and in-kind, including quantifiable in-kind staffing costs. To apply for The Big Read, you must submit an application online through The Big Read electronic eGRANT system as well as submit a hard copy package of proposal materials. All eGRANT submissions and proposal packages are due in Arts Midwest’s office on or before September 12, 2006. For applications and complete information, go to www.neabigread.org. Contact Arts Midwest at 612-341-0755 or by e-mail TheBigRead@artsmidwest.org with any questions.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to grow and sustain a “Nation of Learners” because life-long learning is essential to a democratic society and individual success. Through its grant making, convenings, research and publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build twenty-first-century skills, and increase civic participation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit: http://www.imls.gov.