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Funding for Literacy Programs (Federal LSTA Funds) is sponsored by Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The MBLC provides support for developing adult literacy instruction in public libraries through coordinating resources and federal grants for special projects. These grants help libraries begin or expand literacy programs and services throughout the Commonwealth.
Funds are used to help adults improve basic reading and writing, successfully complete High School Equivalency (HiSet), improve conversation skills, and become naturalized citizens. Federal grants are considered seed money to help establish new programs. The MBLC also offers consultation and technical assistance for early literacy, adult education, digital literacy, and English language learning.
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Or search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Public libraries in Massachusetts. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows over $1,950,000 awarded since 1991 (individual grant amounts vary). Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Funding for Literacy Programs (Federal LSTA Funds) is funded by Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Massachusetts. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
The Cummings Foundation's flagship program will award $35 million to roughly 150 eastern-Massachusetts nonprofits in 2027, up from $30 million — and nearly all of it now flows as unrestricted general operating support. Letters of Inquiry opened July 15 and close September 16, 2026. Here is who qualifies, how the multi-year and 10-year tracks work, and how to write an LOI that survives the first cut.
Read articleCummings Foundation grew its annual local program from $30 million to $35 million for 2026 awards, but the dollar increase is the smaller story. Nearly every grant now flows as unrestricted general operating support — the funding nonprofits ask for most and receive least. For eligible Massachusetts organizations, the 2027 cycle opens July 15 with a September 16 letter-of-inquiry deadline. Here is who qualifies, why the shift to operating support changes the calculus, and how a small nonprofit should approach a program that hands out 150 grants a year, most of them chosen by community volunteers.
Read articleThe Cummings Foundation lifted its flagship local grant program from $30M to $35M for 2026, citing government funding cuts and rising costs, while shifting nearly all of its 150 grants to unrestricted general operating support. Here is who qualifies, how the July-to-January application cycle works, and how a Massachusetts nonprofit should build a competitive letter of inquiry.
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