Here are some grant opportunities for libraries with deadlines during the next couple of months or with ongoing application periods:
2027 Children’s Literature Lecture Award
Deadline: April 30, 2026
The 2027 Children’s Literature Lecture Award committee is excited to announce that the application process to host the 2027 event – which will feature award-winning author, Kwame Alexander – is now open! The Children’s Literature Lecture is an annual event, announced at the Youth Media Awards in January, at which an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature presents a paper that makes a significant contribution to the field. A library, university, special collection, or other appropriate organization can be considered as the host institution. Host sites for the Children’s Literature Lecture receive a $2,000 honorarium to help with costs incurred by hosting the lecture. The lecture is administered by ALSC.
National Leadership Grants for Libraries
Deadline: Ongoing
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program (NLG-L) supports projects that develop, enhance, or disseminate replicable practices, programs, models, or tools to strengthen library and archival services for the American public.
The Community Heart & Soul Grant Program
Deadline: Ongoing
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.
Believe in Reading – Grants for Literacy Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Grants are made to organizations with 501(c)(3) status or its equivalent for educational institutions, including public libraries. 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 projects for the blind or visually impaired. Believe in Reading will supply funds only if they are earmarked for literacy, not just a general campaign. Reading must be the prime activity. 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. Currently, the maximum grant amount is $10,000; however, the vast majority of grants are for $3,000 or less. First-time applicants will not be funded for more than $3,000.
Rural Technology Education & Assistive Technology (AT) Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
Grants are typically $500 – $2,500 for staff and student-led projects in public schools and libraries. The projects funded are designed to help spark student interest in technology-based careers like computer science, computer engineering, information technology, programming, cyber security, robotics, or similar areas. In some cases, these project donations may include a few smaller items like a Raspberry Pi microcomputer or a robotics kit or entire Maker Spaces equipped with things like circuit development kits, 3-D printers, robotics kits, and classroom sets of individual microcomputers to build upon. Other projects include early-stage robotics classes, teams, and clubs interested in project-based learning that culminates in competitive events like FIRST. The focus is on funding libraries and schools in rural or high-poverty areas that are designed to reach multiple students equitably and help establish ongoing student interest groups like maker spaces and coding clubs.
Wyoming Humanities’ Indian Education for All Program
Deadline: Ongoing
One of the best ways to fulfill the Indian Education for All Act is to have Tribal Knowledge Keepers visit Wyoming classrooms. This is not always feasible because costs for travel and honorarium to those wanting to share their valuable wisdom. To address these challenges, Wyoming Humanities is offering funds for K-12 educators in Wyoming to bring an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper into their school, classroom, or field trip. All requests for support should help fulfill Indian Education for All standards and requirements. Wyoming Humanities will offer one-time compensation to support the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Keeper in the classroom, including a $350 honorarium and $200 in travel funds (if 100+ miles roundtrip.) Payment will be made directly to the Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If payment is required prior to the classroom visit, apply at least six weeks before the visit. If payment is NOT required prior to the classroom visit, apply at least four weeks before the visit.
Wish You Well Foundation
Deadline: Ongoing
The Wish You Well Foundation supports adult and family literacy in the United States by fostering the development and expansion of new and existing adult literacy and educational programs. The focus is on supporting nonprofit organizations that teach adults the literacy skills they need to communicate, grow, and thrive within their communities. Grants amounts range from $200 to $10,000.
Scholastic Possible Fund
Deadline: Ongoing
The Scholastic Possible Fund was established to provide a single repository of quality children’s books to be donated to charity partners that share the Company’s mission to improve global literacy and put books into the hands of children who might otherwise have none. The Fund seeks to improve access to books in underserved communities and to provide relief in communities recovering from crises or natural disasters. The non-profit partners receiving donations from this fund have demonstrated the ability to effectively educate children and families in diverse communities about the importance of books and reading from birth through adulthood.
Art Resources Transfer’s Library Program
Deadline: Ongoing
This program provides free books on contemporary art to public institutions nationwide. Public libraries, public schools, prisons, and reading centers that self-define as under-served are eligible to order free books through our Library Program. Institutions can order anytime throughout the year. Books are entirely free and shipped free of charge.
The Pilcrow Foundations Children’s Book Project Program Grant
DEADLINE: Rolling
The Pilcrow Foundation, a national non-profit public charity, provides a 2-to-1 match to rural public libraries that receive a grant through its Children’s Book Project and contribute $200-$400 through a local sponsors for the purchase of up to $1,200 worth (at retail value) of new, quality, hardcover children’s books. We provide a list of over 500 quality hardcover children’s books from which Children’s Book Project grant recipients can select books best suited for their community. The book list includes award-winning and star-reviewed titles from educational and literary organizations.
Black Hills Corporation Community Giving
DEADLINE: Ongoing
Areas of focus are arts and culture, civic and community development, education, environment, human services, and youth development. Giving limited to Black Hills Energy service areas.
BNSF Railway Foundation Grants
DEADLINE: Ongoing
These grants are given to organizations and programs that support and improve the general welfare and quality of life in the communities in which BNSF Railway Company operates. Generally, requests that clearly fall within one or more of the following categories will be considered for funding: civic services, cultural organizations, educational institutions, health and human service organizations, youth organizations, and a federally recognized tribal government.