Deadline: 13-Mar-2026
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L), offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), fund projects that strengthen library and archival services across the United States. The programme supports collaborative, scalable, and replicable initiatives that improve learning, community prosperity, access to information, and emergency response through libraries and archives.
National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) Overview
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) programme supports the development, enhancement, and dissemination of innovative practices, tools, and models that advance library and archival services for the American public.
The programme is designed to influence practice at a national level by funding projects that can be replicated, adapted, and scaled across the library and archives field.
Programme Objectives and Focus Areas
NLG-L prioritises projects that address one or more of the following focus areas:
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Supporting lifelong learning and public education through libraries and archives
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Improving community prosperity and economic resilience
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Expanding access to information and preserving collections
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Strengthening services for communities affected by emergencies or disasters
Projects must clearly demonstrate how they contribute to system-wide improvement rather than isolated organisational benefit.
Importance of Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaboration is a core requirement of the NLG-L programme. Applicants are encouraged to work with:
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Libraries and archives
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Museums and cultural institutions
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Schools and school systems
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Universities and extension programmes
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Youth-serving organisations
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Workforce development and economic development organisations
Successful projects demonstrate shared expertise, cross-sector learning, and coordinated dissemination strategies.
Types of Projects Funded
NLG-L supports five distinct project types:
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Planning Projects (1–2 years): Exploratory work such as needs analysis, partnership development, and pilot design
Funding range: $75,000–$200,000 -
Forum Projects (1–2 years): Convenings that explore emerging issues and produce widely shared reports or tools
Funding range: $75,000–$200,000 -
Community-Centered Implementation Projects (1–2 years): Adaptation of proven models to local contexts with lessons shared nationally
Funding range: $25,000–$100,000 -
National Implementation Projects (1–3 years): Expansion of tools, resources, or services for broad and sustainable national impact
Funding range: $75,000–$1,000,000 -
Applied Research Projects (1–3 years): Rigorous research addressing key questions for libraries or archives with public-facing dissemination
Funding range: $75,000–$750,000
Funding Amount and Project Timeline
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Total funding available: Approximately $11,500,000
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Project start date: September 1, 2026
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Project end date: August 31, 2029
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Project duration: 1 to 3 years, depending on project type
Applicants must align project scope, outcomes, and budgets with the selected project category.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include organisations based in:
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The United States
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U.S. Territories
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Freely Associated States
Eligible organisation types include:
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Units of state, local, or Tribal government
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Private nonprofit organisations
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Libraries and archives
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Library associations and consortia
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Affiliated nonprofit organisations
Applicants must demonstrate administrative capacity and compliance with IMLS requirements, including formal agreements with participating libraries or archives.
How the Application Process Works
Applicants should follow these steps:
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Identify a national or field-wide challenge affecting libraries or archives
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Select the appropriate NLG-L project type
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Establish partnerships and define collaborative roles
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Develop a project plan with measurable outcomes
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Design outreach and dissemination strategies
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Prepare a realistic budget aligned with project goals
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Submit required documentation and partnership agreements
Projects are expected to generate results that can be shared, reused, and adopted by others in the field.
Tips for a Competitive Application
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Clearly explain how the project advances national library or archival practice
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Demonstrate deep understanding of current challenges and strategies
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Show strong collaboration and access to specialised expertise
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Include plans for wide dissemination beyond the applicant organisation
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Define clear metrics for success and impact
Why the NLG-L Programme Matters
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries programme plays a critical role in:
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Driving innovation across library and archival systems
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Strengthening community access to knowledge and services
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Supporting resilience during emergencies and disasters
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Advancing equity, learning, and economic opportunity nationwide
By funding scalable solutions, NLG-L helps libraries and archives meet evolving public needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the NLG-L programme?
The programme aims to strengthen library and archival services nationwide through scalable, collaborative, and replicable projects.
How much funding is available per project?
Funding ranges from $25,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the project type.
How long can funded projects run?
Projects may run from 1 to 3 years, based on the selected project category.
Are partnerships required?
Yes. Collaboration with libraries, archives, or related organisations is strongly encouraged and often essential.
Who can apply for NLG-L funding?
Eligible applicants include government entities, nonprofit organisations, libraries, archives, associations, and consortia based in eligible U.S. jurisdictions.
Do projects need to produce measurable outcomes?
Yes. Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable results and plans for dissemination.
Conclusion
The IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries programme provides substantial funding to advance innovative, collaborative, and nationally impactful library and archival initiatives. By supporting planning, implementation, and research at scale, NLG-L strengthens the ability of libraries and archives to serve learning, prosperity, access, and resilience across the United States.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
