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ALA invites applications from small and rural libraries for the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant.

Library workers may apply online for grant funding from November 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023, at ala.org/LTCAccess.

Up to 300 libraries will be awarded in this application period, part of ALA’s longtime community engagement initiative, with a second application to open in early Fall 2023 for an additional 300 grants.

Interested applicants are encouraged to register for a free pre-application webinar on November 8, 2022.

Libraries chosen to participate in LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities will first conduct community input-gathering sessions to assure that their work aligns with local needs. Libraries will be required to identify the primary audience they are hoping to reach (e.g., homebound seniors, children with autism, Deaf community members) and facilitate a community conversation with the impacted populations to guide improvement of the library’s services. Grantees will then use the grant funds to create services or improve their facilities based on the needs identified by their audience.

Selected libraries will receive $10,000 or $20,000 to support costs related to their community engagement project; virtual training to assist project directors in developing their community engagement, facilitation, and disability service skills; a suite of online resources developed to support local programs; and technical and project support from the ALA Public Programs Office throughout the grant term.

The opportunity is open to libraries serving small and rural communities in the U.S. and U.S. territories.

To be eligible, a library must be located in an area that’s more than, or equal to, five miles from an urbanized area and with a population of 25,000 or less, in keeping with Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definitions of small and rural libraries.

The NEA Big Read annually provides support to selected nonprofit organizations around the country to host dynamic community-wide reading programs, each designed around a single NEA Big Read title chosen from the current list of offerings. Organizations apply for funding through a grants program managed by Arts Midwest. Each community program that receives an NEA Big Read grant—which ranges between $5,000 and $20,000—is also provided with resources, outreach materials, and training on various aspects such as working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading book discussions and Q&As.

An Intent to Apply but be submitted by Wednesday, January 18, 2023, with a completed application submitted by Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Arts Midwest is currently accepting applications for events occurring between September 01, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Projects must include a minimum number of book discussions and community events, partnerships with community organizations, and a 1:1 match of grant funds from a local source. The complete list of guidelines is here.

Arts Midwest staff are available to help with your application. We can do some initial brainstorming/refining with you about ideas and will review application materials for eligibility and completeness. We are not able to help with reviewing content beyond eligibility. To schedule a meeting with a staff member, fill out the 15-minute consultation request form.