Libraries Transform Communities: Engagement Grant

The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant is an annual grant to recognize, promote, and support innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members – be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations – to address issues for the betterment of the community.

Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle open on December 1.

Theme for 2025-2026

Each year, the grant will focus on supporting a community engagement project with a specific theme. 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."

Some example proposals could include (but are not limited to):

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

Libraries should work collaboratively with community members and at least one partner organization to develop a project that addresses a local issue and builds upon community assets. Please note that, while projects should be community-driven, they must be spearheaded by the library.

ALA announced the creation of the Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant in 2019, an initiative made possible by a matching grant and ongoing support from former ALA president and longtime generous supporter Nancy Kranich.

• APPLY HERE (applications will open on December 1)
• Read the grant guidelines
• Review the frequently asked questions
• Master Grant Writing: 11 Tips for Success [PDF]
• Webinar: Tips for Getting an ALA Grant

Past Winners

• 2025
  • Mountain Top (NY) Library - "Putting Hunter on the Map" (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2025 LTC Engagement Grant awardees)
  • Pottsboro (Texas) Library - Civic Engagement Series (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2025 LTC Engagement Grant awardees)
• 2024
  • Hoboken (NJ) Public Library - Homelessness Advisory Group (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2024 LTC Engagement Grant awardees)
  • Independence (KS) Public Library - Eat, Play, Read (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2024 LTC Engagement Grant awardees)
• 2023
  • Carlsbad (N.M.) Public Library - Adult Literacy Project (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2023 LTC Engagement Grant awardees)
  • Lexington (Neb.) Public Library - Early Childhood Educator Work Center (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2023 LTC Engagement Grant awardees)
• 2022:
  • Metropolitan College of New York (N.Y.) - Black Maternal Health Initiative (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2022 LTC Engagement Grant awardees)
  • Sara Hightower Regional Library System (Ga.) - Coming Home: Essential Resources for Re-Entering Citizens (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2022 LTC Engagement Grant awardees)
• 2021: Albany (N.Y.) Public Library - Branching Out (Read ALA's press release announcing the 2021 LTC Engagement Grant awardee, Albany Public Library)
• 2020: Milwaukee (Wis.) Public Library - Deaf Storyslam (Learn about the 2020 LTC Engagement Grant awardee, Milwaukee Public Library, and their project, Deaf Storyslam)