Best Library Grants in Nevada

Nevada libraries and staff seeking continuing education and professional development can receive up to US $2,000 per person per event for virtual or in-person training. Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records reimburses eligible registration, travel, lodging, meals, and materials for CE activities held July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025; a 10% match is encouraged.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nevada 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs can access funding via the Dan Paul Foundation, with awards up to US $15,000. Library and literacy programs that enrich children, support early childhood development, address poverty or homelessness, or engage youth in environmental responsibility may be eligible.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Nevada tackling major social or environmental challenges can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000. Organizations offering scalable services that could enhance library access, education, or community resources may be competitive if they serve underserved populations and operate post-pilot and pre-scale.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nevada cultural nonprofits offering arts, science, or arts education programs can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support; typical awards are More than US $100,000. Eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions include museums, performing arts centers, theaters, symphonies, ballets, and arts schools, including those with library-related education components.

Nevada library and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for health and welfare, education, or community initiatives that serve local residents. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for programs like food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle promotion through research and screening, with requests reviewed in March and September.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nevada library and other 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law (and California law where applicable) and demonstrate strong management, broad service reach, and meaningful impact on their communities.

Nevada library and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to support charitable programs in community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding. This national funder welcomes tax-exempt nonprofits whose work advances respect for people, the environment, and positive change, which may include eligible library-based initiatives.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nevada libraries seeking funding to improve services, resources, and community access can apply for competitive LSTA grants supporting library services, literacy, and educational equity in Nevada. Focused on planning, capacity-building, partnerships, and accessible services, Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records offers US $15,001 - US $100,000 for projects that strengthen library operations and community impact.

Nevada public, school, academic, special, and tribal libraries, consortia, and nonprofit library-related organizations can apply for up to US $15,000 in mini-grants to launch new or innovative library services and programs. Funding from Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records supports projects that build capacity, expand outreach and partnerships, and enhance programs and services aligned with Nevada’s LSTA goals.

Nevada 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural work, or environmental programs can apply for Dr Scholl Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Library organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3)s and fit these categories may be eligible to request one year of funding per grant cycle.

Nevada library and literacy-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust for educational programs, library services, and related community initiatives. U.S.-based nonprofits may receive US $5,000 - US $20,000, with a focus on education, youth, literacy, journalism, arts education, and projects that enhance services for disadvantaged populations.

Eligible Nevada public, school, academic, special, and tribal libraries, consortia, and nonprofit library organizations can apply for up to US $50,000 to support planning and assessment projects such as strategic plans, needs assessments, and program development. Funding from Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records strengthens library services, data use, and community responsiveness statewide.

Nevada libraries and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits running literacy, reading, or STEM/STEAM education programs can access funding through the Bessie Minor Swift Foundation, with awards of US $500 - US $5,000. Eligible organizations must be located in Washoe County and provide direct-service educational enrichment, especially for children and students needing reading support.

Nevada library and health information organizations can receive US $2,000 to support staff professional development on health literacy, data science, public health, and related topics. Grants from the National Library of Medicine help NNLM Region 5 member institutions attend U.S.-based conferences, workshops, or trainings, or host expert speakers to strengthen health information services.

Nevada nonprofit organizations, public institutions, schools, and libraries offering arts learning programs in Nevada can receive up to US $7,000 for group lessons, workshops, residencies, and educational performances. Nevada Arts Council supports arts education and artist residencies, and Nevada libraries providing arts-based learning activities may be eligible if they meet the stated requirements.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nevada 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year program funding for community-focused services, not capital projects. Focused on relief and support, Robinson Foundation invites applicants working in areas like education, libraries, children and families, poverty relief, health, disaster aid, veterans, animal welfare, or conservation across the Southern region, including Nevada.

Summer Reading Program Grants

Applicants may request up to $15,000

The Summer Reading Program (SRP) Grant provides up to $15,000 per library to strengthen and expand literacy and learning driven summer programming. Funding supports activities that advance educational equity, increase access to information resources, and promote lifelong learning. 

Because Summer Reading Programs vary widely in scale across Nevada, requested funding should reasonably reflect anticipated participation levels and the size of the population served. Larger library systems serving higher numbers of participants may request funding closer to the maximum award level, while smaller systems should scale requests appropriately to the scope of their local program.

Funding categories: 

• Instructional programs, workshops, or presenters with defined literacy or learning objectives
• Materials and supplies to support SRP activities and programming
• Books and literacy materials directly tied to structured SRP activities
• Allowable staff time directly associated with planning, implementing, and assessing SRP literacy programming

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofit corporations, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Nevada can obtain funding to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities, equipment, and related project costs. With a mission to strengthen rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants to support facilities such as libraries, community centers, health clinics, public safety buildings, and more in communities under 20,000 residents.