NEA Big Read Grants 2026–2027: A Complete Guide to Community Reading & Arts Programs

Communities come alive when people gather to read, share ideas, and create together. The NEA Big Read, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by Arts Midwest, supports exactly that, helping organizations across the country host community-wide reading and arts engagement programs centered around a single book.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, eligible organizations can apply for matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to design activities that spark dialogue, strengthen community connections, and celebrate the theme America250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Whether you're a library, museum, Tribal organization, university, or local nonprofit, the NEA Big Read offers a meaningful opportunity to bring your community together through literature, creativity, and shared cultural experiences.

What is the NEA Big Read?

The NEA Big Read is a national initiative that encourages communities to come together around a shared book. At its core, the program is designed to:

• Make reading a vibrant, communal experience
• Celebrate America's diverse cultural and artistic heritage
• Inspire conversations across generations, backgrounds, and identities.
• Elevate local creativity and storytelling.
• Build stronger, more connected communities.

Grantees receive not only funding, but also programming tools, educational resources, marketing support, and national visibility to help them plan meaningful literary and arts-based events.

Programs may last from one week to several months, depending on your organization's goals.

2026–2027 Theme and Book Selection

This cycle’s theme, America250, invites communities to reflect on:

• History and heritage
• Cultural identity
• Resilience and shared experiences
• Community values
• Stories that shape who we are

Organizations must choose one of the 24 NEA Big Read titles, each offering powerful perspectives related to American life, creativity, and connection.

This selected book becomes the heart of the program, informing discussions, artistic workshops, performances, and other community events.

Who C an Apply for NEA Big Read Grants?

The NEA Big Read is designed to be widely accessible. It welcomes applications from a broad range of organizations, including first-time applicants and groups serving communities of all sizes, rural, urban, suburban, and Tribal.

Eligible Applicants

Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or federally tax-exempt entities, including:

• Public libraries
• Universities and colleges
• Museums and cultural centers
• Tribal governments and Tribal organizations
• School districts
• Community service organizations
• Arts and cultural organizations of any discipline
• Nonprofits offering arts programming
• Organizations located in the U.S., U.S. Territories, or Native Nations

Additional eligibility notes:

• Organizations may apply even without a UEI, but must obtain one by April 2025 to receive grant funds.
• Applicants must not have overdue reports or be under a funding moratorium with Arts Midwest.
• Applicants must comply with all federal eligibility requirements.

Not Eligible to Apply

The following entities cannot apply:

• Individual elementary or secondary schools (K–12)
• For-profit businesses or organizations
• Individual artists, ensembles, or artist agents
• Applicants using fiscal sponsorship
• Organizations with overdue grant reports or unresolved federal compliance issues

Application Limit

• Only one application per organization is permitted for each grant cycle.

Note: For more information, visit the official NEA Big Read eligibility page

Grant Amounts & Budget Requirements

The NEA Big Read provides $5,000–$20,000 to support community-wide reading programs centered on a selected title from the NEA Big Read Library. All funds must be used for project-related activities that directly support programming. Applicants are required to provide a 1:1 non-federal match, meaning the total project budget must be at least twice the requested amount.

Matching funds may come from volunteer hours, in-kind contributions, community donations, sponsorships, earned revenue, non-federal grants, or cash; however, federal funds cannot be used toward the match. The flexibility in match sources helps organizations of all sizes participate, including those in rural or underserved communities.

Eligible expenses include book purchases, speaker or artist fees, program supplies, marketing, staffing, venue rentals, and other direct project costs. Ineligible expenses include food or alcohol, prizes, capital equipment, unrelated administrative overhead, fundraising or entertainment expenses, and any fees already covered by other federal awards. A clear, justified budget helps reviewers assess your program’s feasibility.

Required Project Components

Each NEA Big Read project must be built around one of the 24 approved books for the 2026–27 cycle. Applicants must explain why the book was chosen, how it aligns with the community's interests, and how the themes connect to the America250 focus. While the program targets adult audiences, age-appropriate companion titles can be used to engage youth.

Strong partnerships are essential. Every applicant must collaborate with a library (unless the applicant is a library) and at least one community organization to expand audience reach and strengthen community engagement. These partners may include schools, YMCAs, cultural centers, arts groups, historical societies, parent-teacher organizations, or faith-based groups. Applicants should clearly outline each partner's role and whether the partnership is confirmed or pending.

Programs must include specific required activities: a public kickoff event, one event celebrating America’s cultural and artistic heritage, at least three book discussions, a presentation inspired by the book, and at least one creative arts activity such as a performance, exhibition, or poetry slam. Events may be virtual, hybrid, or in-person, but must be fully accessible. Applicants must describe their target audiences, outreach plans, and community-wide promotional strategy.

Note: Please refer to the official Project + Grant Requirements page for comprehensive information and application guidelines:

Timeline for the 2026–2027 Grant Cycle

Planning early helps ensure strong partnerships, realistic budgets, and compelling programming.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the SmartSimple grants portal.

Step 1: Submit the Intent to Apply

You will provide:

• Organization information
• Project summary (100–250 words)
• Book selection
• Rationale behind your book choice
• Estimated number of books needed
• Programming plans
• Requested grant amount

Step 2: Submit the Full Application

This includes:

• Full project budget
• Detailed programming description
• Community outreach plan
• Accessibility strategy
• Description of partnerships
• Expected number of events and participants
• Organization’s history and capacity

Reviewers look for clarity, creativity, thoughtful planning, and strong alignment with NEA Big Read goals.

How Applications Are Reviewed

A panel of literary and community arts experts reviews proposals based on four main criteria:

1. Artistic Excellence & Programmatic Merit

• Strength of book selection
• Creativity of events and activities
• Quality of artistic components

2. Depth of Audience Engagement

• Plans to engage diverse and underserved audiences
• Accessibility considerations
• Community partnerships

3. Resource Management

• Realistic budget
• Clear cost share plan
• Organizational capacity to deliver the program

4. Overall Project Success Potential

• Clear goals
• Strong alignment with the America250 theme
• Effective evaluation plan

Geographical distribution also influences final award decisions.

Note: This summary is for informational purposes only. Applicants should consult the official NEA Big Read website for accurate program timelines, step-by-step application requirements, and detailed program information. Kindly visit the official grants page.

Where GridSocial's Closed-Loop System Helps NEA Big Read Programs

NEA Big Read projects often involve many partners, libraries, schools, arts groups, local creatives, and community organizations. Coordinating all these moving parts can be challenging. GridSocial’s closed-loop coordination system helps organizations stay organized and ensures every task is completed on time.

With GridSocial, organizations can:

• Coordinate seamlessly with libraries, partners, artists, and community groups
• Assign and track tasks so no event, outreach activity, or requirement is missed.
• Document engagement, including attendance, activities, and partner involvement
• Prepare funder-ready reports with organized data for NEA Big Read final reporting.
• Improve accountability and transparency across all project partners.

By keeping all communication, actions, and follow-up in one place, GridSocial strengthens program delivery and helps organizations run smooth, well-documented NEA Big Read initiatives.

Conclusion: Celebrating Community Through Books and Creativity

The NEA Big Read 2026–2027 offers organizations a transformative opportunity to bring people together through reading, conversation, and creative expression. By choosing a powerful book, building strong partnerships, and designing meaningful events, applicants can create experiences that deepen community ties and celebrate diverse stories.

With thoughtful planning and community-centered programming, your organization can design an unforgettable NEA Big Read project that honors the America250 theme and brings your community closer through the shared joy of storytelling.