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WASHINGTON, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) today announced grants totaling $5,763,000, for 189 awards through programs designed to support and improve essential library services of Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Helping tribal and Native American, Alaskan, and Hawaiian-serving cultural institutions flourish is among IMLS’ important statutory responsibilities. As President Trump proclaimed in November of 2025:
"Native Americans have played an instrumental role in helping make the United States the greatest Nation in the world. Their rich culture, traditions, and achievements continue to enrich our society and strengthen the promise of America."
By carrying out the three programs mentioned below, IMLS helps institutions preserve and promote traditions and achievements the President mentioned and ensure communities can preserve their heritage and folkways for generations to come.
The three programs that funded these awards were the Native American Library Services Basic Grants, Native American Library Enhancements Grants, and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants.
Native American Library Services Basic Grants are noncompetitive one-year grants of up to $10,000. The grants are available to federally recognized Native American Tribes and Alaska Native villages, corporations, and regional corporations and are designed to enable Native American Tribes to improve library services for their communities. 158 grants totaling $1,722,795 were awarded. Some examples of what grant funds may be used for include purchasing library materials and furnishings, renewing subscriptions, funding salaries and staff training/professional development, language and cultural activities, and providing internet connectivity and computers.
Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants advance the programs and services of eligible Native American Tribes, including Alaska Native villages, regional corporations, and village corporations. These competitive grants, awarded in amounts up to $150,000 for two years, are designed to improve core library services for their communities.
IMLS received 70 eligible applications requesting $9,422,326 and was able to award $3,311,380 to 26 federally recognized Tribes in 13 states.
Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants are available to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. These competitive grants, awarded in amounts up to $150,000 for two years, are designed to improve core library services for their communities. IMLS received 10 eligible applications requesting $1,393,264 and awarded $728,825to five organizations serving Native Hawaiians. Awardees come from different sectors aligned with developing and enhancing library services that are centered on Native Hawaiian core values.
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