Apply Now: Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants Program 2025 (US)

Objectives

• Objective 1: Serve the learning needs and interests of the community.
• Objective 2: Improve community well-being.
• Objective 3: Provide access to and preservation of information and collections.
• Objective 4: Provide services to affected communities in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Goals

• Goal 1: Champion Lifelong Learning.
• Goal 2: Strengthen Community Engagement.
• Goal 3: Advance Collections Stewardship and Access.

Funding Information

• Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,500,000
• Award Ceiling: $150,000
• Award Floor: $50,000

Eligible Costs

• Personnel salaries, wages, and fringe benefits, including annual cost of living increases
• Travel expenses for key project staff and consultants
• Materials, supplies, software, and equipment related directly to project activities
• Adaptive and/or assistive technologies and other resources and services to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities
• Participant support costs, including temporary dependent care, if documented in written policies
• Third-party costs
• Design and publication costs
• Program evaluation
• Staff and volunteer training
• Paid internships/fellowships
• Stipends or honoraria for project advisors and active participants
• Pre-award costs, at the discretion of and with prior written approval from the agency.

Ineligible Costs

• General fundraising costs, such as development office staff or other staff time devoted to general fundraising
• Contributions to endowments
• General operating support costs
• General advertising or public relations costs designed solely for promotional activities other than those related to the specific project
• Construction or renovation of facilities (generally, any activity involving the construction trades is not an allowable cost)
• Social activities, receptions, or entertainment.

Eligible Activities

• Projects may involve, but are not limited to, activities such as:
  • educational programming for all ages;
  • oral history collection and documentation;
  • digital media and technology enhancements;
  • institutional planning and policy development;
  • professional training, internships, and mentorships;
  • supporting and engaging with cultural practitioners and scholars;
  • research and development of language and cultural material and tools;
  • digitization and digital preservation; and
  • furnishing of library spaces for staff and public within existing constructed spaces (please note that IMLS funds are not allowed for construction).

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for an award under this NAE Notice of Funding Opportunity, your Native Community must be Federally recognized and offer library and/or archival services to the community. Such services may include, but are not limited to providing free access to:
  • books, print and electronic media;
  • research databases;
  • job, employment, and career resources;
  • reference desk services;
  • space for reading, studying, and meeting; and
  • events and activities such as programs, classes, and cultural events for all ages.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.