The NEA Big Read program awards grants from $5,000 to $20,000 to nonprofit organizations to support community reading programs based on a selected book from the NEA Big Read Library. Funded activities include programming, book purchases, partnership development, public relations, and book discussions. Programming lasts from a week to several months and centers on the America250 theme for 2026-2027.
Eligible applicants are 501c3 non-profits, universities, public libraries, tribal organizations, museums, and community service organizations in the US, US Territories, and Native Nations. Individual artists, for-profit entities, and individual schools are not eligible.
