National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program 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, provide broad access to and preservation of information and collections, or provide services to affected communities in the event of an emergency or disaster. Some possible project types include planning, forums, community-centered implementation, national implementation, and applied research. Key features of the program include a focus on lifelong learning, community engagement, and collections stewardship. The program also encourages partnerships and collaborations between libraries, archives, and other organizations. • Project types: planning, forums, community-centered implementation, national implementation, and applied research • Eligible applicants: libraries, archives, and other organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria • Funding: up to $1,000,000 for national implementation projects, with smaller amounts available for other project types • Cost share requirements: vary by project type, with some projects requiring a 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources