National Endowment for the Arts Big Read (2027-2028)

National Endowment for the Arts Big Read (2027-2028) applications are due January 12, 2027, per National Endowment for the Arts.

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National Endowment for the Arts

Eligibility requirements

Confirm all requirements on the official listing before applying.

Who can apply
State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and state-controlled colleges, Federally recognized tribal governments, Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, Private colleges and universities

Details from the funder

501(c)(3) nonprofits and other federally tax-exempt entities, including universities/colleges, school districts, public libraries, tribal organizations, museums and community-service organizations, located in the United States, U.S. Territories or Native Nations sharing that geography. Arts Midwest's federal requirements restrict applicants to eligible tax-exempt organizations, state/local government units and federally recognized tribal communities/Tribes; organizations requiring fiscal sponsorship cannot apply. A UEI is required to receive funds; applicants must have no overdue Arts Midwest reports or funding restrictions and must meet federal eligibility, nondiscrimination, accessibility, prevailing minimum professional compensation and suspension/debarment requirements, including a Section 504 self-evaluation. Projects require a one-to-one nonfederal cost share; cash, eligible salaries, volunteer time and in-kind contributions may count. Applicants must select a primary book from the 18-title 2027-2028 library; partner with a library (higher-education applicants need an unaffiliated library) and a community group expanding their audience; and provide a public kickoff, at least three book discussions, a book-related presentation and a community artistic activity. Programming must be accessible and seek underserved audiences. Murals and sports attendance, fitness classes or recreational sports equipment are ineligible expenses.

About this grant

An NEA federal grant administered by Arts Midwest supports community reading programs under the theme Read Like a Champion: Celebrating Great American Sports Stories. The award section and the NEA's own initiative page state grants of $5,000 to $30,000, with approximately 65 awards and $1,476,500 available. Applications are submitted through Arts Midwest's SmartSimple portal. Eligible costs include books, artists/speakers, supplies, promotion, project staff and venue rental; food, alcohol, cash prizes, capital equipment, fundraising entertainment and overlapping federally funded costs are excluded.

Grant details

Total available
$1.5M
Expected awards
65
Match required
Yes. See the funder’s matching requirements.

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