Great Michigan Read Action Grant

Great Michigan Read Action Grant is a grant from Michigan Humanities that funds community literacy events centered on a selected Michigan-themed book. Since 2007, the Great Michigan Read program has united communities statewide through fiction and nonfiction titles that spark conversation and educational programming.

Grants of up to $750 support independent organizers affiliated with eligible partner organizations including libraries, schools, and nonprofits located in Michigan. All program events are free and open to the public. The 2025-26 program features Curtis Chin's "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant."

Great Michigan Read - Michigan Humanities Lending Partner Interest Form One Title. One State. Thousands Engaged in Literary Discussion.

Since 2007, the Great Michigan Read, the signature program of Michigan Humanities, has united communities across the state through Michigan-centered fiction and non-fiction books. These selections inspire conversations from diverse perspectives, foster a deeper appreciation for the humanities, and connect thousands of readers with authors and engaging educational programs.

Each book is chosen by seven regional selection committees, representing every corner of Michigan. All aspects of the program are free and open to the public. Great Michigan Read partners include libraries, schools, book clubs, and other nonprofits.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has terminated all funding to humanities councils, which impacts numerous Michigan Humanities grants and programs. The Great Michigan Read is funded in part by private dollars and the 2025-26 program, featuring Curtis Chin’s Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant , launched in October 2025. Registration is now open.

There are two ways to be a 2025-26 Great Michigan Read partner organization: Lending organizations will receive a book kit at the time of program launch in October. Each kit will come in a Great Michigan Read tote bag and include copies of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant , conversation starters, promotional materials, and a partner guide with links to digital resources.

The materials will be yours to use and distribute throughout the program period—late October 2025 through late August 2026. During that time frame, kits should largely be available for check-out by other local community partners. Please complete our online Google form to indicate your lending partner interest.

If you are interested in reading Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant in your local community and prefer not to serve as a lending partner, we invite you to register through our online form as a participating partner . Instructions are included below. Once lending partner locations are established, you will receive information about locations in your part of the state where you can check out a book kit.

It is our goal to establish lending partnerships in every county to ensure continued statewide access to the Great Michigan Read. Both participating and lending partners have an opportunity to express interest in co-hosting a Great Michigan Read author event with Curtis Chin. If you have questions or would like to discuss program partnership, please contact Katie Wittenauer at kwittenauer@mihumanities.

org. Announcing the 2025–26 Great Michigan Read! Registration opened; Great Michigan Read information session ( view recording ); grant application for fall 2025 partner programming opened.

Books and resources distributed to lending partners; fall author tour featuring free events in Big Rapids, Saugatuck-Douglas, Dowagiac, and Adrian. Grant application for spring and summer 2026 partner programming opened (details below); virtual author event. Spring author tour featuring free events in the following locations: Event details for May 2026 will be announced soon.

Schools, libraries, independent book clubs, colleges, universities, arts and cultural institutions, and a range of other non-profits and organizations are invited to become Great Michigan Read lending and participating partners. Registering as a Great Michigan Read partner can be completed using these steps: Login or create a new user account on the Michigan Humanities grant and program portal, located here .

Visit the Great Michigan Read Participating Partner form, and fill out the required details. Please note, viewing and completing the Great Michigan Read Lending Partner form will require an access code. After you have submitted the form, you will receive an automated “registration received” email.

Great Michigan Read Action Grants of up to $750 are available to support programming organized by registered Great Michigan Read partners. The grant application for GMR partner programming occurring Nov. 2025 through July 2026 is now open.

Access additional details and the application after logging onto Michigan Humanities’ online grants and programs portal . These grants are non-matching and can be used for the following purposes: Materials : The purchase/rental of supplementary resources that complement the Great Michigan Read title, including books, films, traveling exhibits, and other educational opportunities.

Guest speakers and venue rental : Honoraria and/or travel expenses for guest speakers, performers, and/or workshop leaders for Great Michigan Read events, discussions, and lectures. Food, transportation, and promotional expenses : Expenses in these categories may be included, but should not be the primary emphasis of your Great Michigan Read Action Grant application.

2025-26 Great Michigan Read Sponsors This year’s Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide, and local partners, including: Resources Applicant Login