NEA Invites Communities to Participate in 2011-12 Big Read Program

Posted on October 15, 2010 Deadline: February 1, 2011 Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to nonprofits, state agencies, tribal governments, and tax-exempt public libraries providing programs where participants read and discuss a single book or the work of a poet. The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest, is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. The Big Read provides participating U.S. communities with grants and comprehensive resources that support their efforts to read and discuss a single book or the work of a poet. Seventy-five organizations in communities of varying sizes across the United States will be selected to conduct month-long, community-wide reads from September 2011 through June 2012. Organizations may apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. Grant size will be determined based on community population, number of activities planned, and overall strength of the application. Grants must be matched at least 1:1 with nonfederal funds. Grant funds may be used for such expenses as book purchases, speaker fees and travel, salaries, advertising, and venue rental. Applicant organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; a division of state, local, or tribal government; or a tax-exempt public library. Eligible applicants include such organizations as literary centers, libraries, museums, colleges and universities, art centers, historical societies, arts councils, tribal governments, humanities councils, literary festivals, and arts organizations. Applicant organizations that are not libraries must partner with one. K-12 schools and school districts, whether public or private, may not be lead applicants but are strongly encouraged to partner with libraries, literary centers, museums, and other eligible applicants. Visit the Big Read Web site for complete program information, application guidelines, and list of reading choices. Contact information: Link to complete request for proposal, guidelines, and application instructions Has your library led The Big Read in your community? Please share your experiences in the comments field below.