The Native Hawaiian Library Services (‘NH’) program is designed to assist Native Hawaiian serving organizations in sustaining and improving library services with their communities. As information needs change, Native Hawaiian organizations must be able to serve as knowledge and resource centers to benefit their users and the wellness of their communities. The NH program supports organizations across the islands and country to address their individual information needs and priorities.

Funding Opportunity Number: NAG-HAWAIIAN-FY26. Assistance Listing: 45.311. Funding Instrument: G. Category: AR,HU. Award Amount: $50K – $150K per award.

Native Hawaiian Library Services | Institute of Museum and Library Services Application: The FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF, 737KB) is now available.

Grant Amount: $50,000 to $150,000 Grant Period: One to two years Cost Share Requirement: None IMLS Priorities Cover Letter: NH Cover letter (PDF, 144KB) The Native Hawaiian (NH) Library Services Grant program is designed to assist Native Hawaiian serving organizations in sustaining and improving library services with their communities.

As information needs change, Native Hawaiian organizations must be able to serve as knowledge and resource centers to benefit their users and the wellness of their communities. The NH program supports organizations across the islands and country to address their individual information needs and priorities.

Projects may involve, but are not limited to, activities such as: educational programming for all ages; oral history collection and documentation; digital media and technology enhancements; institutional planning and policy development; professional training, internships, and mentorships; supporting and engaging with cultural practitioners and scholars; research and development of language and cultural material and tools; digitization and digital preservation; and furnishing of library spaces for staff and public within existing constructed spaces (please note that IMLS funds are not allowed for construction).

Program Goal: Develop, enhance, or disseminate practices, programs, models, tools, or staff training to strengthen library and archival services with Native Hawaiian organizations, through the following objectives: Serve the learning needs and interests of the community. Improve community well-being. Provide access to and preservation of information and collections.

Provide services to affected communities in the event of an emergency or disaster. To be eligible for an award under the Native Hawaiian Library Services Notice of Funding Opportunity, your organization must be a nonprofit organization that primarily serves and represents Native Hawaiians, as the term “Native Hawaiians” is defined in 20 U.S.C. § 7517(2) , and that offers library services to the community.

Such services may include, but are not limited to providing free access to: Books, print and electronic media; job, employment, and career resources; space for reading, studying, and meeting; and free events and activities such as programs, classes, and cultural events for all ages. When you apply, you must provide documentation showing that your organization meets this statutory eligibility criteria.

See Proof of Eligibility in the Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information about documentation required. Program Contact: If you have questions, please contact imls-librarygrants@imls. gov .

Applicant Webinar: We invite you to watch a pre-application webinar to learn more about the grant program. *All grant programs are subject to the availability of funds and IMLS discretion. Deadlines are tentative.

In 2024, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded $266. 7 million through grantmaking, research and policy development, to advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations. Native Hawaiian Library Services Advance | Support | Empower