Grant guides
Funding programs for small libraries and museums
One guide per program. We publish a figure only after it's verified against the primary source — you'll see the badge and the date on every one.
Is IMLS still funded? (2026 status)
Half the internet says IMLS was shut down in 2025. That's now wrong. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is live, legally protected, and actively granting. Here's the verified timeline and why it matters for every other library grant.
VerifiedIMLS Inspire! and Museums for America (both due Nov 13, 2026)
The two flagship IMLS competitive grants for museums and historical societies share one deadline: November 13, 2026. Inspire! is built for small museums and needs no match at or under $25,000. Every figure checked against imls.gov.
VerifiedThe State Door: how small libraries actually get IMLS money (LSTA)
Individual libraries don't apply to IMLS for the big federal library money. It flows through your state library agency by formula, then out as subgrants. Learn the pattern — find your agency, read its plan, get on the list, match the calendar.
VerifiedE-Rate Category Two: the Wi-Fi money two-thirds of libraries leave on the table
E-Rate quietly hands most libraries a five-year budget for internal network gear at a steep discount — about $30,000 for a small library — and roughly two-thirds never claim it. Figures checked against USAC.
VerifiedUSDA Community Facilities: the 'new roof / new building' grant for rural libraries
USDA names libraries as an eligible facility for its Community Facilities program — grants covering 15–75% of a building or equipment project in towns under 20,000. It's rolling, year-round, through your state USDA office. Verified to rd.usda.gov.
VerifiedThe private layer: Pilcrow books and the Friends-as-applicant pattern
Beyond government money is a private layer built for small libraries — the Pilcrow Foundation's children's-book grants (Oct 1 deadline, open now) and national grants your Friends group can win where the library itself can't. Verified to each funder.
VerifiedNext step
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