# National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/nlg-libraries-fy26-national-leadership-grants-for-libraries-2026/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361140

> Institute of Museum and Library Services offered grants of up to $1.0 million (at least $25,000) to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make about 45 awards worth $11.5 million in total. Applications closed on March 13, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | NLG-LIBRARIES-FY26 |
| Agency | Institute of Museum and Library Services |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | March 13, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $1.0 million |
| Award floor | $25,000 |
| Expected awards | 45 |
| Total funding | $11.5 million |
| Cost sharing | required |
| Assistance Listings | 45.312 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility requirements.

## What the grant funds

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program (NLG-L) 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 through libraries and archives; provide broad access to and preservation of information and collections through libraries and archives; or provide services to affected communities in the event of an emergency or disaster.

## Questions people ask

### Is NLG-LIBRARIES-FY26 still open?

No. It closed on March 13, 2026. A newer notice is open: NLG-LIBRARIES-FY27, closes November 13, 2026 (6 days left).

### Who can apply for National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)?

Institute of Museum and Library Services accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2026)?

Closed March 13, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $1.0 million each. About $11.5 million in total across about 45 awards.

### Who has won National Leadership Grants grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were AMERICA250.ORG, Inc., Association of Tribal Archives Libraries & Museums, Foundation for Advancement in Conservation. The program made 698 awards worth $137 million in that time.