ALA Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant

 Deadline: February 2, 2026

The American Library Association (ALA) Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant recognizes, promotes, and supports innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. School, public, academic, tribal, and special libraries are invited to apply by designing and outlining activities for a library-led community engagement project. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members, such as library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations, to address issues for the betterment of the community. Two grants of $2,000 will be awarded.

For the 2025-2026 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a community engagement project that focuses on the concept of "Libraries as a Lifeline: Building Belonging for All." Libraries should collaborate with community members and at least one partner organization to develop a project that addresses a local issue and builds upon community assets. Some examples of proposals include:

• a project that establishes a Community Care Corner with outreach materials, hygiene kits, and local resource guides;
• a program that collaborates with a local partner to offer micro-skill sessions on subjects like budgeting, digital literacy, or navigating healthcare;
• projects that develop community connection by hosting neighbor gatherings over meals or creative activities to celebrate diversity;  
• a program that hosts moderated community conversations on local issues by partnering with schools, non-profits, or civic groups.   

View the full award guidelines and apply online at www.ala.org/tools/programming/LTCEG/guidelines.