Opportunity Information: Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY26

The Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2026) opportunity is a discretionary grant program from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) intended to help organizations that serve Native Hawaiian communities sustain, strengthen, and modernize library services. The core idea behind the program is that as community information needs evolve, Native Hawaiian-serving organizations should be able to function as reliable knowledge and resource hubs that support learning, access to information, and overall community wellness. This funding is meant to help those organizations maintain what is already working while also improving services so they remain relevant and responsive to local priorities.

This program (CFDA/Assistance Listing 45.311) supports projects that address the specific information needs and priorities identified by Native Hawaiian-serving organizations, whether those needs are based in Hawaii or in Native Hawaiian communities located elsewhere in the country. The emphasis is on practical, community-centered library services rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, recognizing that different communities may have different gaps to fill or goals to pursue. Because eligibility is limited and defined by IMLS, applicants are expected to consult the official Notice of Funding Opportunity for detailed eligibility requirements and any additional conditions that govern who can apply and what types of activities are allowable.

For this 2026 cycle, the opportunity is listed under the funding activity category of Arts and Humanities, and awards are issued as grants. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $150,000, and IMLS expects to make about five awards. The opportunity was created on January 21, 2026, and the application deadline is April 10, 2026. The eligible applicant category is listed as "Others," which usually signals that eligibility is restricted to specific types of entities defined in the program rules rather than broad categories like states, cities, or universities.

  • The Institute of Museum and Library Services in the arts, humanities sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2026)" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.311.
  • This funding opportunity was created on 2026-01-21.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-04-10. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $150,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others.
Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY26

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:

Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2026) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2026) program?

The Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2026) program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It is intended to help organizations that serve Native Hawaiian communities sustain, strengthen, and modernize library services so they can continue acting as reliable knowledge and resource hubs.

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The purpose is to support practical, community-centered library services that help Native Hawaiian-serving organizations maintain what is already working while also improving and modernizing services to stay relevant as community information needs evolve. The program emphasizes supporting learning, access to information, and overall community wellness.

Who is the funding agency?

The funding agency is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Is this a formula grant or a discretionary grant?

This opportunity is described as a discretionary grant program.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number provided is 45.311.

What types of projects does this program support?

The program supports projects that address specific information needs and priorities identified by Native Hawaiian-serving organizations. The emphasis is on practical library services tailored to community needs, rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Does the program only support projects in Hawaii?

No. The program supports projects based in Hawaii as well as projects serving Native Hawaiian communities located elsewhere in the country, as long as the project addresses priorities identified by Native Hawaiian-serving organizations.

What does “community-centered” mean in this program context?

Based on the program description, “community-centered” means the project should respond to local priorities and the specific information needs identified by the Native Hawaiian-serving organization, recognizing that different communities may have different gaps, goals, and service needs.

What funding activity category is this opportunity listed under?

For the 2026 cycle, the opportunity is listed under the funding activity category of Arts and Humanities.

What type of award is made under this program?

Awards are issued as grants.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $150,000.

How many awards does IMLS expect to make?

IMLS expects to make about five awards.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on January 21, 2026.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is April 10, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply?

The eligible applicant category is listed as “Others,” which typically indicates that eligibility is restricted to specific types of entities defined in the program rules. Applicants are expected to consult the official Notice of Funding Opportunity for the detailed eligibility requirements and any additional conditions.

Why does the eligible applicant category say “Others”?

“Others” usually signals that eligibility is not open to broad categories (such as all states, cities, or universities) and instead is limited to specific entity types defined by IMLS for this program. The exact eligible entities and conditions are addressed in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Where can applicants confirm detailed eligibility requirements and allowable activities?

Applicants should consult the official Notice of Funding Opportunity for detailed eligibility requirements, any additional conditions governing who can apply, and what types of activities are allowable under the program.

What is the overall approach IMLS is encouraging through this grant?

The program encourages Native Hawaiian-serving organizations to continue operating as dependable knowledge and resource hubs while adapting services to changing community information needs. The focus is on sustaining effective services and modernizing where needed to remain responsive to local priorities and community wellness goals.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Arts, Humanities

Previous opportunity: SOI - Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program

Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY26

 

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

Inside Our Applicants Portal

  • Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
  • Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
  • Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Access Applicants Portal

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Learn More

 

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "NAG HAWAIIAN FY26", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.

 

Ask a Question: