Native American Library Services Basic Grant (2027)
🏛 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 21, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Native American communities establishing or improving library services. Eligible applicants are tribal libraries, tribal library consortia, and similar organizations serving Native American populations nationwide. Funded activities include library operations, collections development, technology, and community programs. Applicants must demonstrate how funding addresses their community's information needs.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
The Native American Basic Grants (NAB) program assists eligible Native Communities in establishing, sustaining, and improving library services and operations with their communities. As information needs change, Tribal libraries must be able to serve as knowledge and resource centers to benefit their users and the wellness of their communities. The NAB program supports Native Communities across the country to address their individual information needs and priorities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Grant application form (SF-424 or required application)
- Project narrative/description
- Budget and budget justification
- Evidence of eligible tribal or Native American status
- Library operational information
Program contact
- 👤 Institute of Museum and Library Services
- 📧 imls-librarygrants@imls.gov
- 📞 202-653-4634
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 45.311 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
-
$150,000
Top States by Funding
- AK 23 awards $3.4M
- OK 19 awards $2.8M
- HI 17 awards $2.5M
- WI 9 awards $1.3M
- CA 8 awards $1.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 45.311). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $5,908,056 | |
| 2025 | $5,641,893 | |
| 2026 est. | $5,950,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Tribal libraries, Native American library consortia, and other eligible Native community library organizations. Your organization must serve a Native American population.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is November 13, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
What activities can funding support?
Library operations, staff support, collections, technology, community programming, and other services that address tribal information needs.
How much can I request?
Awards typically range from $6,000 to $10,000. Exact amounts vary based on funding availability and community need.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No matching funds or cost-sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start early. Contact IMLS staff to discuss your project before submitting to clarify eligibility and priorities.
- Focus on community impact. Clearly describe how library services improve information access and community wellness.
- Show sustainability. Explain how your organization will maintain services beyond the grant period.
- Use data. Include library usage statistics, patron demographics, or community feedback to strengthen your case.
- Follow instructions exactly. Submit all required documents on time in the specified format.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague descriptions of how funding will serve the community. Insufficient documentation of organizational capacity or library operations. Requesting unallowable activities or exceeding the grant budget ceiling.
Similar grants
- OPEN Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants (2027) — Institute of Museum and Library Services
- OPEN Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2027) — Institute of Museum and Library Services
- OPEN Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2027) — Institute of Museum and Library Services
- OPEN Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages — Department of Housing and Urban Development
- OPEN Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages — Department of Housing and Urban Development