ALA offers advice on federal grant cancellations

Tips on how to respond if your library’s federal funding is terminated

Washington - Since early April 2025, numerous libraries and library organizations have received notices that their federal grant awards – such as from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) - have been terminated. ALA is responding to these politically motivated attacks on library funding with public advocacy and litigation. In addition, ALA encourages grantees who receive a termination notice to consider the suggestions below. (Note: This is not legal advice, and ALA is not able to provide legal advice in this matter.)

1. Immediately send the termination notice to your legal counsel and ask what steps you should take.
2. Preserve all relevant documents relating to the grant and any communications you receive from the federal agency.
3. Submit the termination notice to ALA so we can gather information about grant cancellations.
4. Review the National Council of Nonprofits’ checklist: “What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated.”
5. Ask your legal counsel about appealing the termination (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.342).
6. At IMLS, grantees may request review of grant terminations, which must be submitted in writing to IMLS within 30 days of the grant termination. See the IMLS General Terms and Conditions under “Procedures for Requesting a Review of Suspension or Termination.”
7. If you request review, preserve all relevant documents from the review and any communications you receive from the federal agency.
8. Notify your Congressmembers and local media of the termination. Explain how the cancellation will affect your library and your community (e.g., any jobs lost or services eliminated). Ask your Congressmembers to help with your case, and ask them to protect IMLS and support continued funding for libraries.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.