Application Deadline Near for Big Read Grants

The Bureau of Libraries is reminding libraries of the nearing application deadline for the Big Read Grants funding available for community reading programs.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read is a program managed by Arts Midwest that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations.

These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read Book. Programming for the 2026-2027 grant cycle will center around titles celebrating and honoring the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial.

Applicants will choose a book from two dozen titles available in the NEA Big Read Library. Using the selected book as inspiration, applicants will facilitate discussions, writing workshops, and creative programming activities exploring this theme and celebrating the unique aspects of their communities. NEA Big Read programs can be as short as a week or as long as several months. Beyond discussions of the book, organizations may choose to include a kick-off event, invite the author for a visit, and more.

The funding for grantees can be used for their programming and purchasing books, and tools to support them in working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading meaningful book discussions.

The Big Read Grants application deadline is quickly approaching. The Intent to Apply Deadline is January 15, 2026, and the Full Application Deadline is January 29, 2026.

For more information about the NEA Big Read Grants or to start your application please visit https://artsmidwest.org/get-support/nea-big-read/.