The NEA Big Read is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest which supports community shared reading programs. Their goals are to build connections through meaningful conversations and a celebration of local creativty in the United States and its territories.
Awards of $5,000 – $20,000 are available with a required 1:1 match. Intent to Apply forms are due by January 23, 2025 and full applications are due by January 30, 2025.
Eligibility
This grant is open to:
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
- Divisions of U.S. state, local, and tribal government
- Tax exempt public libraries
- School districts
- Arts and culture organizations
- Museums
- Institutions of higher education
Allowable Expenses
Grant funds may be used for:
- Project staff salaries
- Purchasing books
- Supplies
- Promotions
- Speaker and artist fees
- Venue rentals
Theme
The theme for the 2025-26 Big Read is OUR NATURE: How Our Physical Environment Can Lead Us to Seek Hope, Courage, and Connection. Applicants will choose one of the 22 books in the NEA Big Read Library and facilitate discussions, writing workshops, and creative activies that explore the theme and celebrate how it relates to their community.
