NEA Big Read Grant

The NEA Big Read Grant, managed by Arts Midwest, aims to foster community engagement through shared reading experiences. This initiative funds nonprofit organizations to host diverse reading programs, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creativity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, organizations can conduct book discussions, workshops, and creative events to strengthen community ties and promote civic engagement. The program highlights local voices and invites participation from various audiences, creating a vibrant literary culture.

NOTE: An intent to apply is an initial step in the application process that confirms your organization’s eligibility for the NEA Big Read. See Letter of Inquiry Deadline above. This step should only take 10-15 minutes. It is required in order to submit a full application.
About NEA Big Read
An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience.
The goals of the NEA Big Read are to:
Inspire meaningful conversations and cross-cultural understanding and empathy;Celebrate local creativity and creative practices;Elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives; Encourage cross-sector collaboration between the arts and other disciplines and industries to strengthen a community’s civic infrastructure; andBuild social cohesion and civic engagement through stronger connections in each community as a means toward improving health and well-being and reducing isolation and loneliness.
The NEA Big Read annually presents a selection of novels, poetry collections, short story collections, memoirs, and/or books of essays that inspire conversation and creative responses. Funding is then provided to nonprofit organizations around the country to host dynamic community-wide reading programs designed around one of these books and in collaboration with local partners to develop and conduct engaging events and activities. Organizations apply for funding through a grants program managed by Arts Midwest. Each community program that receives an NEA Big Read grant – which ranges between $5,000 and $20,000 – is also provided with resources to help them succeed. These include outreach materials and tools to help grantees develop public relations strategies, work with local partners, and lead meaningful book discussions.
NEA Big Read programs can be as short as a week or as long as several months. Grantees facilitate book discussions, writing workshops, and creative programming inspired by the book that may include panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, poetry slams, writing contests, and community storytelling events. Activities seek to include local artists and welcome participation from a wide range of audiences.