2026-27 NEA Big Read | Arts Midwest

Applications are now open for the NEA Big Read, a national program that offers matching grants of up to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs.

Who can apply? Nonprofit arts organizations, universities, libraries, service organizations, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are all encouraged to apply.

This year’s NEA Big Read centers around the theme America250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The 24 books that applicants can choose to program this cycle celebrate America’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its people.

Learn More and Apply at ArtsMidwest.org

A mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 15, 2026

About NEA Big Read

The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is a program that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations.  

These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. As our nation moves into its 250thyear, 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. 

In total, Arts Midwest will be awarding $1,090,000 in project grants through NEA Big Read this year. We anticipate making approximately 75 grants.  

This Year’s Theme and Books

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 250th 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. 

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.