Application Due Date: April 1, 2025*
The FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF 721KB) is now available.
Grant Amount: $50,000 to $150,000
Grant Period: One to two years. Projects must begin September 1, 2025.
Cost Share Requirement: None
Program Overview:
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:
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educational programming for all ages;
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oral history collection and documentation;
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digital media and technology enhancements;
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institutional planning and policy development;
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professional training, internships, and mentorships;
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supporting and engaging with cultural practitioners and scholars;
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research and development of language and cultural material and tools;
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digitization and digital preservation; and
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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 Kānaka Maoli, through the following objectives:
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Serve the learning needs and interests of the community.
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Improve Kānaka Maoli well-being.
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Provide access to and preservation of information and collections.
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Provide services to affected communities in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Eligibility:
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:
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Books, print and electronic media;
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research databases;
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job, employment, and career resources;
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reference desk services;
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space for reading, studying, and meeting; and
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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 Contacts:
If you have questions, we encourage you to contact:
Jennifer Himmelreich
Senior Program Officer
202-653-4797
jhimmelreich@imls.gov
Click here to schedule a time to talk with Jennifer Himmelreich.
Sheena Afoakwa
Program Specialist
202-653-4718
safoakwa@imls.gov
Grant Program Webinars:
Watch a pre-application webinar to learn more about the FY 2025 Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants program.
*All grant programs are subject to the availability of funds and IMLS discretion. Deadlines are tentative.
