Applications are now open for the 2026-27 cycle of the NEA Big Read, a national program that offers matching grants of up to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs.
This year’s NEA Big Read will center around the theme America250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial.
The 24 NEA Big Read books available for programming this cycle celebrate America’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its people.
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.
The NEA Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Arts Midwest.
NEA Big Read At-A-Glance
- What is it? The NEA Big Read is a reading program that brings communities together around the central theme America250 using one of 24 available books as inspiration. It offers matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
- Who can apply? Nonprofit arts organizations, universities, libraries, service organizations, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are all encouraged to apply.
- Where? Your organization must be located and operate within the United States or the Native Nations that share this geography.
- When to apply? A mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 15, 2026, with final applications due January 29, 2025. Funded programs will take place between September 2026 and June 2027.
Read more about eligibility and how to apply in the guidelines.
About NEA Big Read
The NEA Big Read supports 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.
NEA Big Read programs vary and can be as short as a week or as long as several months. Beyond discussions of the book, organizations may choose to include a kick-off event, invite the author for a visit, or have other events inspired by the content and themes of the book. These may include panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, poetry slams, writing workshops and contests, and community storytelling events.
The NEA Big Read welcomes applications from a variety of eligible 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.
Explore the 2026-27 NEA Big Read Library
The 24 titles available this cycle span fiction and nonfiction books that celebrate America’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its people.
Get Ready to Apply
Learn more about the types of projects that the NEA Big Read supports and review our grant guidelines.
Have questions about the NEA Big Read?
Be sure to check out our FAQs, and if you’d like to talk to us we’re just an email away.
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