Each award is an opportunity to meet the administration’s mission of utilizing public resources to increase literacy, restore truth to American history, preserve the artifacts and documents of our nation’s heritage, and prepare Americans of all generations to be thinkers, builders, and leaders.
Each individual grant receives extraordinary scrutiny to ensure that funds would not be used contrary to legal prohibitions on racial discrimination.
As the leading source of federal funding for American museums, libraries, and related institutions, IMLS empowers U.S. organizations to enhance their services, foster innovation, and address community needs.
Currently, we are accepting applications to thirteen funding opportunities.
Institutions across the United States are encouraged to apply to most of the FY26 opportunities by March 13, 2026.
Eligible institutions may also apply to the Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program and/or the Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant program by April 10, 2026.
Grant Programs
IMLS supports and advances the work of museums, libraries, and related institutions across the U.S. Through a wide range of grant programs, we empower these organizations to enhance their services, foster innovation, and address community needs. The available grants are designed to cater to the diverse missions of these institutions, promoting growth and sustainability.
Grants to States
The Grants to States program is the largest source of federal funding support for library services in the U.S. Using a population based formula, funding is distributed among the State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) each year in all 50 states and District of Columbia, territories, and freely associated states.