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.
Grant Application Directions
Organizations and institutions that utilize third-party software to submit applications via Grants.gov may encounter old or outdated forms. IMLS cannot provide technical assistance for any issues applicants encounter with proprietary software. The final and correct versions of all IMLS application packages can be found on the Grants.gov portal directly.
The Application Process
1. Search for available grants
Grant programs and deadlines can be searched by name, by eligible institution type, and by project type.
2. Check eligibility requirements
Eligibility criteria will vary by program. Checking the program-specific criteria will help you ensure you're applying for the right grant for your institution. Read more.
3. Read application Notice of Funding Opportunities
Read through the application Notice of Funding Opportunities carefully to get all the information you need on the grant program. Read more.
4. Compose your application
Use the following Applicant Tools & Materials links to help you compose a stronger, more competitive application.
a. Sample Applications - Examples of successful applications from previous years
b. Outcome Based Evaluations - Introduction to and resources for successful program evaluation
c. Shaping Outcomes - An IMLS-funded online course on outcomes-based planning and evaluation, which will help participants improve program designs and evaluations.
d. Grantee Requirements - Administration and dissemination requirements for all grantees
e. Reviewer Materials - Guidelines and handbooks used during application review
5. Contact an IMLS Staff Member
We welcome calls from applicants and are happy to answer any questions about the grant application and review process. Conversations with staff can provide useful guidance and help you to explore how your idea may match the goals of a grant program. To reach an IMLS staff member please click on a link below for the grant program in which you are interested.
6. Submit your application via Grants.gov
Consult our Grants.gov guidelines to ensure we will receive your application, complete and on-time. Read more.
7. What happens next?
Learn how applications are reviewed and when grant announcements are made. Read more.
Deadline: September 20, 2024
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program (NLG-L) supports projects that address critical needs of the library and archives fields and have the potential to advance practice and strengthen library and archival services for the American public.
Deadline: November 15, 2024
The Museums for America program supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public.
Deadline: November 15, 2024
Museums Empowered (ME) is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program. It supports projects that use the transformative power of professional development and training to generate systemic change within museums of all types and sizes.
Deadline: November 15, 2024
The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture program is designed to build the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums to serve their communities, and broadly advance the growth and development of a professional workforce in American Latino institutions.
Deadline: November 15, 2024
National Leadership Grants for Museums support projects that address critical needs of the museum field and that have the potential to advance practice in the profession to strengthen museum services for the American public.
Deadline: November 15, 2024
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public.
Deadline: November 15, 2024
The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program is designed to build the capacity of African American museums and support the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums.
Deadline: November 15, 2024
The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (NANH) grant program is designed to support Indian Tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in sustaining indigenous heritage, culture, and knowledge.
Deadline: November 15, 2024
The 21st Century Museum Professional (21MP) grant program supports projects that offer professional development to the current museum workforce, train and recruit future museum professionals.
Deadline: February 1, 2025
Application: Please visit American Alliance of Museums to apply. MAP offers museums an opportunity to strengthen operations and plan for the future through a low-cost, year-long process of self-assessment and consultative peer review.