Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility and Participant Requirements

• What types of institutions are eligible to apply?
• Do I need to be an ALA member to apply?
• How many libraries will be awarded?
• Will training be provided for host libraries?
• What are the dates of the exhibit tour?

The Application Process 

• How do I apply?
• Can I see the questions before starting my application?
• May applications be submitted in hard copy?
• This is my first time applying for an opportunity through ALA Apply. How do I use the system?
• How can I request accommodations for ALA Apply?
• Does the ALA Public Programs Office offer support for first-time or less experienced grant writers?
• When is the application deadline?
• Will only successful applicants receive notification about the outcome of the application?
• How will my application be evaluated?

The Exhibit

• What age range is recommended for this exhibit?
• What is the size of the exhibit?
• Do libraries need to supply any equipment for the exhibit?
• Can I see the exhibit content before applying?
• Where in the exhibit are the difficult photos located?
• I'm concerned that one or more of the images in this exhibit may violate legislation in my state. How can I get more information?

Programming Requirements

• What are the programming requirements?
• Do all of the programs have to be held in-person?
• The guidelines state that The Pulitzer Prizes may consider my proposed program to serve as a marquee event on the tour, benefitting from additional resources and support. What does this mean?

Questions and Contact

• What if I have questions about my application?

Eligibility and Participant Requirements

Q: What types of institutions are eligible to apply?

A: Public libraries (including tribal libraries and state libraries) in the United States and U.S. territories are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Q: Do I need to be an ALA member to apply?

A: No. ALA members and non-members are eligible.

Q: How many libraries will be awarded?

A: Eighteen public libraries will be selected through a competitive application process to present the exhibit in their communities. Two additional host libraries will be selected by invitation to kick off the national tour in fall 2026.

Q: Will training be provided for host libraries?

A: A virtual orientation session will be provided for host libraries in fall 2026 (date and time TBD).

Q: What are the dates of the exhibit tour?

A: Eighteen public libraries will be selected to host the traveling exhibit in 2027 and 2028. Two additional host libraries will be selected by invitation to kick off the national tour in fall 2026. Library host periods will be six weeks each. See a list of available host periods below. Applicants will be asked to provide their host period preferences as part of the online application. 

• Host Period Option 1: January 13, 2027 - February 24, 2027
• Host Period Option 2: March 12, 2027 - April 26, 2027
• Host Period Option 3: May 12, 2027 - June 23, 2027
• Host Period Option 4: July 9 - August 23, 2027
• Host Period Option 5: September 8 - October 20, 2027
• Host Period Option 6: November 5 - December 20, 2027
• Host Period Option 7: January 5 - February 16, 2028
• Host Period Option 8: March 3 - April 17, 2028
• Host Period Option 9: May 3 - June 14, 2028
   

The Application Process

Q: How do I apply?

A: To begin the application process, log in to ALA Apply, ALA’s grants management platform. You can download a PDF of the application to review the questions ahead of time.

Q: Can I see the questions before starting my application?

A: Yes, a PDF of the application is available.

Q: May applications be submitted in hard copy?

A: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 27, 2026, via ALA’s online grants management platform. Applications and support materials may not be submitted by mail or e-mail. If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive technologies, please contact publicprograms@ala.org or call (312) 280-5045. Please also include information about the nature of your accessibility barrier so we can best provide support.

Q: This is my first time applying for an opportunity through ALA Apply. How do I use the system?

A: To apply, you must have an account in ALA Apply, ALA’s grant administration platform. If you already have an account in our grants management platform, please log in. You will be taken to the Local Information section of the application after logging in.

If this is your first time submitting an application in ALA Apply, you will need to create an account. To create an account, you will need:

• Organization Information: You will be asked to provide contact information for your library, including your library’s Employer Identification Number (EIN)/Tax Identification Number.
• User Information: You will be asked to provide contact information for yourself (the person submitting the application on behalf of the library).
• Executive Officer Information: If you are not the library’s executive officer, you will be asked to provide contact information for that person.
• Password: You will be asked to create a password for your account.

For a video tutorial, visit How to Apply: Using ALA Apply, ALA’s Grant Management System.

Q: How can I request accommodations for ALA Apply?

A: If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive technologies, please contact publicprograms@ala.org or call (312) 280-5045. Please also include information about the nature of your accessibility barrier so we can best provide support.

Q: Does the ALA Public Programs Office offer support for first-time or less experienced grant writers?

A: ALA recognizes that libraries that most need financial support are often those with the least capacity to apply for grants due to inadequate resources and staffing. If you feel you need support in developing your application, please request a 20-minute phone consultation with a member of the ALA Public Programs Office staff so we may assist you. Please request this consultation by emailing publicprograms@ala.org.

We also encourage you to check out Mastering Grant Writing: 11 Steps for Success and our Make It Rain! Tips for Getting an ALA Grant webinar for helpful tips on making your grant proposal competitive. 

Q: When is the application deadline?

A: ALA will accept applications for Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire between January 5 and March 27, 2026. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 27, 2026, via our grants management platform, ALA Apply. Late or incomplete applications, and applications from ineligible institutions, will not be reviewed. 

Applications and support materials may not be submitted by mail or e-mail. If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive technologies, please contact publicprograms@ala.org or call (312) 280-5045. Please also include information about the nature of your accessibility barrier so we can best provide support.

Q: Will only successful applicants receive notification about the outcome of the application?

No. All applicants will be notified by ALA, regardless of the outcome of their applications. Libraries will be notified via e-mail by June 30, 2026. If your library has not received notification by the stated date, please contact ALA at (312) 280-5045 or publicprograms@ala.org. Ensure you receive messages regarding your application! Emails regarding your application status will come from administrator@grantinterface.com. Please save this email address as a contact to prevent notification emails from being marked as spam.

Q: How will my application be evaluated?

A: Applications for Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire will be evaluated according to the following criteria: clarity and completeness of the application; ideas and vision for exhibit programs; quality and comprehensiveness of programming and publicity plans; and institutional support for the project. Other factors that may influence the final selection of exhibit sites include geographic location, community size, and demographics.
 

The Exhibit

Q: What age range is recommended for this exhibit?

A: This exhibit is recommended for young adult and adult audiences (high school and above). While the exhibit will include a wide range of human emotion and experiences, a few of the included Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs may not be suitable for all audiences due to violence and other difficult subject matter. Please review the exhibit overview, which includes a comprehensive list of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs under consideration, before beginning your application to ensure that the exhibit is a fit for your library. 

Q: What is the size of the exhibit?

A: The exhibit requires approximately 1,400 square feet of floor space for optimal display. The exhibit must be displayed in a single room. Please review the approved layouts. Minor alterations to the approved layouts are allowable, with approval, though interactives must be placed near their corresponding panels.

Q: Do libraries need to supply any equipment for the exhibit?

A: No special tools or lighting sources are necessary for exhibit set-up, though you may need extension cords, power strips, computer monitor wipes (for cleaning), gaffers tape, and electrical floor covers. Access to standard wall outlets is required for the exhibit’s digital interactives. A total of four duplex wall outlets will be needed.

Q: Can I see the exhibit content before applying?

A: Currently under development, the exhibit is expected to consist of six thematic sections (Introduction to The Pulitzer Prizes, Chronicling America, Bearing Witness in the World, Telling Stories, Making a Difference, and What Stories Would You Tell?) organized into two freestanding “Y”-shaped panels and a smaller freestanding feedback wall. Please review the exhibit overview to see the photographs under consideration that could possibly be displayed in each section. Please consider where each section would be displayed in your exhibit space before applying. 

Q: Where in the exhibit are the difficult photos located?

A: Please review the exhibit overview that includes the proposed images and their section position in the show. You can also view the exhibit's approved layouts to see how the photos are arranged in the exhibit. Please contact us at publicprograms@ala.org or (312) 280-5045 if you have further questions.

Q: I'm concerned that one or more of the images in this exhibit may violate legislation in my state. How can I get more information?

A: You can see the status of legislation in your state here. Please contact us if you have additional questions or concerns at publicprograms@ala.org or 312-280-5045. 

Programming Requirements

Q: What are the programming requirements?

A: Host libraries must plan and present a minimum of four public programs/events related to the themes of the exhibit. Programs may include guest speakers, panel discussions, reading and discussion groups, high school field trips, or other types of events. Program ideas are subject to review and approval of ALA and Pulitzer Prize staff. 

Q: Do all of the programs have to be held in-person?

A: Programs may be a combination of in-person, hybrid, and/or virtual, but at least two of the four required programs must be held in-person. 

Q: The guidelines state that The Pulitzer Prizes may consider my proposed program to serve as a marquee event on the tour, benefitting from additional resources and support. What does this mean?

A: The Pulitzer Prizes is interested in amplifying a handful of library programs throughout the course of the tour. If your library is selected for a spot on the tour, the programs you propose in your application will automatically be considered for this additional support. 

This support could include assistance contacting and coordinating travel with guest speakers such as Pulitzer Prize-winners, support for larger event spaces and AV equipment, event marketing support, and more.

Questions and Contact

Q: What if I have questions about my application?

A: Call the ALA Public Programs Office at (312) 280-5045 with any application- or grant-related questions. You can also e-mail us at publicprograms@ala.org.