Will Eisner Grants for Libraries

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The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries

The 2026 grant cycle is now closed. APPLICATION DEADLINE WAS JANUARY 11, 2026.

Be sure to also check out the Eisner Grant FAQ page for new updates and additional information (including samples of some of the previous winning grant applications).

Check out this recorded webinar for some tips and advice for your Will Eisner Grant application.

THE 2026 GRANT CYCLE IS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN OCTOBER FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEXT GRANT CYCLE.

2026 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant winner:

  • The 2026 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant is awarded to Amanda Zerangue, Jermaine Bryant, and Janelle Fuller of the University of North Texas Libraries in Denton, TX. Their project “Panels to Pathways: Graphic Novels for Independent Living, Workforce Readiness, and Library Engagement” will expand and enhance their longstanding partnership with UNT WISE’s Live & Learn Summer Program, which brings teens and young adults with disabilities to campus for immersive training in skills in independent living, job readiness, and community engagement. Panels to Pathways will integrate three new graphic novel programming components into the Libraries’ WISE summer camp experience to increase engagement with graphic novels while supporting career readiness. 

2026 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant winner:

  • The 2026 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant is awarded to Annisija Hunter of the Hilton M. Briggs Library, South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Their project “Humanizing Health Sciences Education with Graphic Medicine” seeks to cultivate empathy, reduce stigma, and amplify marginalized perspectives through a new graphic medicine collection. Additionally, they are planning The Comic Relief: Healing Through Graphic Medicine event to build community among various campus colleges and departments as it introduces graphic medicine as a genre, highlights the new collection’s interdisciplinary impact, and allows participants to draw their own graphic medicine panels.

Contact Information

ALA Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table Staff Liaison: Tina Coleman ccoleman@ala.org