Best Library Grants in Michigan

Grants help Michigan 501(c)(3) and governmental organizations improve educational, cultural, economic, religious, and community services, including library programs. Grants from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation support innovative, collaborative projects that address needs not typically funded by public financing and that plan for long-term self-sufficiency, which may benefit libraries and related community institutions.

Rural public libraries in Michigan and other eligible states can apply for Rob-See-Co’s library grant to support book collection expansion, educational programs, and technology upgrades, with awards of US $500. Grants from Rob-See-Co help library services enhance collections, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, and related programming.

Public and other eligible libraries in Michigan can seek funding for one-year projects that expand services for learning and improve access to library collections and information, with awards from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Focused on enhancing library services, the Library of Michigan invites proposals that increase access to information for all users.

Michigan K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can access funding through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to rebuild books, media, and equipment. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and apply within 36 months of the disaster.

Schools, public libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Michigan serving K–12 students struggling with reading can apply for youth literacy grants up to US $5,000 to expand programs, buy technology, or purchase books and materials. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports literacy initiatives in communities within 20 miles of its stores.

Michigan libraries, schools, and nonprofit organizations can seek funding to create or expand summer reading programs for Pre-K–12 students, including new, below-grade-level, or learning-disabled readers. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation provide up to US $3,000 for programs within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in eligible Michigan communities.

Public libraries, schools, colleges, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Michigan can seek funding to deliver family literacy programs that include adult education, children’s education, and parent-child learning time. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers up to US $10,000 for organizations within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and listed in the National Literacy Directory.

Michigan libraries, schools, colleges, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering adult literacy, GED preparation, or English language acquisition can apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Adult Literacy Grants. Funding up to US $10,000 supports direct-service programs for adults and requires applicants to be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and listed in the National Literacy Directory.

Michigan library and archives organizations planning workforce development or capacity-building projects can access funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with awards from US $75,000 - US $200,000. Planning grants support needs assessments, partnership development, and prototypes that strengthen recruitment, education, training, and retention of library and archives professionals nationwide.

Rural and small library staff in Michigan can apply for the NNLM CHIS Training Award, offering US $300 to deliver trustworthy health information training in their communities. Applicants must hold CHIS Level 1 or 2 and be affiliated with an NNLM member organization; funds are distributed after teaching and reporting.

Black/African American youth or teen services public or school librarians in Michigan can receive travel support to attend the ALA Annual Conference. With a mission to support library professionals, American Library Association provides up to US $3,000 for travel, housing, registration, and a ticket to the Coretta Scott King Awards Breakfast.

Focused on library services, this grant invites Michigan librarians who work with teens to seek US $1,000 in support to attend the ALA Annual Conference for the first time. Eligible applicants must be current ALA/YALSA personal members with one to ten years’ experience serving young adults in school or public libraries.

Libraries, library associations, and information science programs developing reading lists, webliographies, indexes, or other library guides for U.S. users can receive up to US $5,000 to cover preparation and research costs. With a mission to support library services, American Library Association provides Michigan library projects with funding that encourages broader use of library resources and national distribution.

Rural public libraries rebuilding children’s collections after natural disasters can receive in-kind children’s book support through the Pilcrow Foundation’s Disaster Relief Grant. Michigan library services in disaster-affected rural areas with limited operating budgets and plans to restore active children’s departments may be eligible for US $800 in new, quality, hardcover children’s books.

Michigan non-tenured faculty, dissertation-stage Ph.D. candidates, and independent scholars needing library services support can access funding through Harvard University to conduct research at the Harvard-Yenching Library. This merit-based travel grant offers US $2,000 for scholars from outside Boston, with priority for institutions lacking strong East Asian language collections.

Certified public school librarians in the U.S. who have led local “Strong School Libraries” marketing campaigns can receive US $1,000 travel support to the AASL National Conference. Offered by the American Library Association, this scholarship may benefit Michigan library professionals seeking to promote their school libraries as essential community resources.

The ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant supports AASL Chapters in developing leadership programs for school library associations at various levels. This grant encourages initiatives that engage new members, train current leaders, and foster collaboration among organizations. Successful applications clearly define program objectives, participant groups, and include well-structured budgets and evaluation plans. The grant aims to promote innovative leadership approaches that can be replicated by other chapters, enhancing the overall effectiveness of school libraries.

Libraries, archives, and library science programs in Michigan can seek US $75,000 - US $200,000 to convene forums that address workforce development and capacity-building needs. The Institute of Museum and Library Services supports projects that bring together experts and stakeholders, produce widely shared reports, and demonstrate measurable, nationwide impact for library and information professionals.

Libraries, archives, and LIS graduate programs in Michigan and nationwide can apply for US $25,000 - US $100,000 to recruit, educate, train, and retain library and archival professionals. With a mission to strengthen the library and archival workforce, the Institute of Museum and Library Services supports community-centered projects that adapt proven models and share resources with the broader field.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

National Implementation

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Early Career Research

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Applied Research

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications to establish Regional Medical Libraries within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Since 1965, the NNLM has enhanced public health information access through partnerships with libraries and health organizations. The initiative aims to improve community engagement, disseminate NIH research findings, and foster collaborations to promote health literacy and access to biomedical data, thereby supporting local clinical research efforts.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications for a Training Center under the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). This initiative aims to enhance professional development for librarians, community engagement, and access to health information. By fostering partnerships and disseminating NIH resources, the NNLM will broaden its impact and improve public understanding of health data and information. The NTC will develop innovative training curricula and materials to meet diverse audience needs.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is inviting applications for its Coordinating Center within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Established in 1965, the NNLM enhances public access to health information through collaboration with libraries and community organizations. The NCC will oversee network administration and evaluation, fostering partnerships and supporting local clinical research. This initiative aims to expand NIH engagement and improve public understanding of health resources and information available through the NNLM.

Library staff and board members seeking continuing education or training can receive funding for registration, travel, meals, lodging, and preconference fees through the Nebraska Library Commission. Although based in Nebraska rather than Michigan, library professionals focused on improving library services and adult education may be eligible if they meet the Nebraska accreditation and employment requirements.

Michigan libraries and library-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Gladys Brooks Foundation for endowments, capital construction, and innovative equipment. Eligible applicants are public or nonprofit libraries seeking major support for resources and projects that expand public access to information, when outside funding is not available.