Grants for Libraries and Information Services Projects (Philippines)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is accepting project proposals for library development, cultural learning, and capacity-building initiatives in the Philippines under the SCH-LIS-01 and SCH-LIS-02 categories. The program supports library establishment, enhancement projects, training programs, digital learning resources, artificial intelligence integration, and disaster resilience initiatives for libraries and cultural institutions.

Eligible applicants include local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and higher educational institutions. Priority is given to libraries and reading centers operational for at least three years and projects that demonstrate sustainable community impact.

NCCA Library and Information Services Grant Program 2026

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is launching a funding initiative focused on strengthening libraries, reading centers, and cultural learning systems across the Philippines.

The program supports projects that improve:

• Access to information
• Community learning spaces
• Cultural preservation
• Digital education
• Professional development for librarians and cultural workers
• Disaster resilience and sustainability in libraries

The initiative falls under two major project categories:

• SCH-LIS-01 — Library Establishment and Enhancement
• SCH-LIS-02 — Seminar-Workshops and Capacity Building Programs

These grants are designed to strengthen libraries as centers for education, culture, research, and lifelong learning.

SCH-LIS-01: Library Establishment and Enhancement Projects

The SCH-LIS-01 category funds projects that establish new libraries or improve existing libraries and reading centers.

The goal is to strengthen institutions that function as:

• Educational hubs
• Cultural learning spaces
• Community engagement centers
• Public information access points

Projects may focus on:

• Library establishment
• Library enhancement
• Digital learning resources
• Community learning hubs
• Sustainability and resilience
• Artificial intelligence integration

Artificial intelligence initiatives may include:

• Digital cataloging
• Information retrieval
• Learning systems
• Knowledge management

Who is Eligible for SCH-LIS-01?

Eligible proponents include:

• Local Government Units (LGUs)
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs)
• Public and private libraries

Required endorsements include:

• Public libraries must secure endorsement from the National Library of the Philippines
• Private libraries must obtain endorsement from the head of the institution

The NCCA prioritizes:

• Libraries operational for at least three years
• Projects with strong community impact
• Sustainable and scalable initiatives
• Institutions with clear implementation plans

SCH-LIS-02: Seminar-Workshops and Training Programs

The SCH-LIS-02 category supports training and professional development programs for:

• Librarians
• Information professionals
• Cultural workers
• Community learning facilitators

The initiative aims to improve:

• Technical skills
• Digital competencies
• Cultural preservation practices

Expected project outputs include:

• Training at least 80–100 participants
• Producing at least two e-learning materials
• Creating long-term educational references
• Strengthening library and cultural sector capabilities

Training proposals may cover:

• Library sustainability
• Cultural significance of libraries
• Artificial intelligence in libraries
• Partnerships and collaborations
• Disaster resilience and risk reduction

Artificial intelligence topics may include:

• Archiving
• Digital access
• Metadata management
• Information systems

Who is Eligible for SCH-LIS-02?

Eligible applicants include:

• Local Government Units (LGUs)
• State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Applicants must submit:

• Project proposal
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Provider Certificate
• Program outline
• List of speakers and topics
• Budget proposal
• Work and financial plan

Required Documents for All Applicants

Applicants should prepare:

• Detailed project proposal
• Line-item budget
• Schedule of activities
• Work and financial plan

The proposal should clearly explain:

• Objectives
• Target beneficiaries
• Expected outcomes
• Sustainability plan

Applicants establishing new libraries must provide:

• External photographs of the proposed site
• Internal photographs of the proposed library space

How to Apply for the NCCA Library Grant Program

Step 1: Identify the correct category.

• Choose SCH-LIS-01 for library establishment or enhancement projects
• Choose SCH-LIS-02 for training and seminar programs

Step 2: Prepare supporting documents.

• Gather endorsements, certificates, budgets, outlines, and photos if applicable

Step 3: Develop a comprehensive proposal.

• Include objectives, community impact, sustainability measures, and timelines

Step 4: Demonstrate organizational capacity.

• Highlight previous projects, relevant experience, and implementation capability

Step 5: Submit the proposal.

• Follow NCCA submission guidelines and deadlines

Why This NCCA Program Matters

Libraries play a critical role in:

• Education
• Literacy
• Cultural preservation
• Community development

The NCCA initiative helps modernize and expand these institutions.

The inclusion of:

• Artificial intelligence
• Digital learning resources
• E-learning systems

demonstrates a focus on digital transformation and improved information access.

Libraries also serve as:

• Emergency information hubs
• Disaster response support centers
• Community gathering spaces

The program promotes resilience and sustainability planning.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Common mistakes include:

• Incomplete documentation
• Weak budget planning
• Lack of sustainability plans
• Unclear community impact
• Generic training proposals

Strong applications should clearly explain:

• Who benefits from the project
• Expected measurable outcomes
• Long-term sustainability
• Specific learning objectives

Tips for Creating a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

• Focus on measurable outcomes
• Emphasize innovation
• Show institutional readiness
• Align projects with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Strong proposals often include:

• AI integration
• Digital learning tools
• Community engagement strategies
• Experienced personnel
• Realistic implementation plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the NCCA Library Grant Program?

• It is a funding initiative supporting library development, cultural learning, and professional training projects in the Philippines.

What are the two project categories?

• SCH-LIS-01 for library establishment and enhancement
• SCH-LIS-02 for seminar-workshops and training programs

Who can apply for the grants?

• LGUs, NGOs, SUCs, HEIs, and libraries may apply depending on the project category.

Are new libraries eligible for funding?

• Yes. New library establishment projects are eligible under SCH-LIS-01.

Is AI-related training allowed?

• Yes. Artificial intelligence integration is one of the priority focus areas.

What are the required outputs for SCH-LIS-02 projects?

• Projects should train 80–100 participants and produce at least two e-learning materials.

What factors will NCCA consider during evaluation?

• Organizational experience, proposal quality, sustainability, feasibility, and community impact.

Conclusion

The NCCA Library and Information Services Grant Program provides a major opportunity for Philippine libraries, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to strengthen learning access, cultural preservation, and digital transformation initiatives.

Through funding for library establishment, enhancement projects, professional training, and AI-integrated learning systems, the program supports the modernization of libraries as essential community institutions.

Organizations with strong planning, sustainability strategies, and measurable community impact are likely to be more competitive in securing support under the SCH-LIS-01 and SCH-LIS-02 categories.

For more information, visit NCCA.