NEA Big Read

Important Notes

The NEA Big Read is a grant to help bring communities together around the shared activity of reading and discussing the same book.

These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. As our nation moves into its 250th year, the goal of this program is to honor America’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community. 

Grantees will receive funding for their programming and purchasing books, and tools to support them in working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading meaningful book discussions.

The NEA Big Read welcomes applications from a variety of organizations, including first-time applicants; organizations serving communities of all sizes, including rural and urban areas; and organizations with small, medium or large operating budgets.

• Non-profit organizations and other federally tax-exempt entities including, but not limited to: universities/colleges, school districts, public libraries, tribal organizations, museums, and community service organizations.
• Organizations located within the United States, US Territories, and the Native Nations that share this geography.
• Arts and cultural organizations in any arts discipline (literature, performing arts, visual arts, traditional arts, multidisciplinary arts, etc.) or nonprofit organizations that provide arts programming (social service agencies, etc.)
• Organizations that do not have overdue reports or funding moratoria with Arts Midwest.
• Organizations with a UEI number from SAM.gov on file by late April 2026 (necessary in order to receive grant funds) Apply for a free UEI at SAM.gov.
• Organizations that can comply with Federal eligibility requirements.

Applications for the 2026-2027 cycle are now open. The deadline to submit an Intent to Apply is January 15, 2026. Full applications are due January 29, 2026.

Programming for the 2026-2027 grant cycle will center around the theme America250.

Applicants will choose a book from these 24 titles available in the NEA Big Read Library. This year’s NEA Big Read titles celebrate and honor the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. These books celebrate the country’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its citizens.

Using a book selection as inspiration, applicants will facilitate discussions, writing workshops, and creative programming activities that explore this theme and celebrate the unique aspects of their communities.