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NEA Big Read Community Reading Grant Program

National Endowment for the Arts Big Read

Bringing communities together around the shared activity of reading and discussing a book

How do we do this?

The NEA Big Read aims to inspire conversation and discovery. Annually, the program supports approximately 75 dynamic community reading programs, each designed around a single NEA Big Read book. 

Each community program that receives an NEA Big Read grant—which ranges between $5,000 and $15,000—is also provided with resources, outreach materials, and training on various aspects such as working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading book discussions and Q&As. The programs last approximately one month and include a kick-off event, often attended by the mayor and other local luminaries; major events devoted specifically to the book (e.g., panel discussions and author reading); events using the book as a point of departure (e.g., film screenings and theatrical readings); and book discussions in diverse locations involving a wide range of audiences.

How to Apply

Arts Midwest accepts requests for proposals annually starting around mid-October with a deadline in late January. Proposals are now being accepted for NEA Big Read programs to take place between September 2021 – June 2022.

Submit your intent to apply!

  • Learn more about the mission and history of the NEA Big Read.
  • Read the latest community stories and reflections from grantees on the NEA Big Read blog.

Contact

612.238.8010 or neabigread@artsmidwest.org

National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is supported by the Endowment in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Grant Info

National Endowment for the Arts: Big Read Grant

310px-Book_CollageThe National Endowment for the Arts has a grant program available for communities through out the United States.  The Big Read program has partnered with Arts Midwest to help facilitate this process.

Application deadline is January 28, 2015.   The Big Read is accepting applications for grants between $2,500 and $20,000. 

So…what is the Big Read?  It’s a program designed to restore reading to the heart of America.  It provides competitive grants to support innovative reading programs and helps combat the rapidly declining number of literary reading happening through out all demographics in America.

Taken from the NEABigRead.org website:

Approximately 75 organizations in communities of varying sizes across the country will be selected to participate in The Big Read from September 2015 through June 2016.

Applicant organizations for The Big Read must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; a division of state, local, or tribal government; or a tax-exempt public library. Eligible applicants include organizations such as literary centers, libraries, museums, colleges and universities, art centers, historical societies, arts councils, tribal governments, humanities councils, literary festivals, and arts organizations. Note: K–12 schools, school districts, boards of education, or other school governing bodies, whether public or private, are not eligible applicants, but may partner with eligible applicants.

The Big Read supports organizations across the country in developing community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. These programs include activities such as author readings, book discussions, art exhibits, lectures, film series, music or dance events, theatrical performances, panel discussions, and other events and activities related to the community’s chosen book or poet. Activities focus on one book or poet from The Big Read catalogue.

Find out more by clicking on this link!  Good Luck!