The grant will enable libraries to support public programming connected to the America 250 commemoration, encourage civic engagement, historical reflection, and community dialogue, highlight history through local and national perspectives on American experiences, and expand access to high-quality educational and cultural programming for communities across Oklahoma.

Eligible organizations may apply for up to $2,500 for activities. Funded activities may include a combination of public programs, educational events, exhibits, community history projects, and related resources that advance the purpose of this grant.

Eligible applicants include Oklahoma Public Libraries, Library Systems, and Tribal Libraries. Libraries must be eligible for State Aid in FY25. Libraries with prior ODL grants must be in good standing and have successfully completed all reporting and compliance requirements for any ODL-issued FFY 2024 grants.

Read the Terms & Conditions to confirm eligibility before applying through Foundant.

Start Date: February 2, 2026

Deadline: March 2, 2026.

For application assistance, email courtney.rutledge@libraries.ok.gov.

Please note: This grant opportunity is contingent upon continued federal fiscal year 2025 funding through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Libraries with Story Trails are invited to participate in ODL's ​Health Literacy opportunity. ODL will provide two copies of the featured book for display in Story Trails across Oklahoma, supporting healthy habits, early literacy, and much more.

Participating libraries can expect books by early March. All recipients need to host at least one related program, sharing pictures and stories of community impact with ODL. This opportunity also includes a brief survey from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). 

Deadline: February 20, 2026.

This project is funded through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries with a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act.

Please note: This grant opportunity is contingent upon continued federal fiscal year 2025 funding through Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

ODL is offering a grant opportunity for libraries that purchase Category Two network equipment with E-Rate funding. Is your library interested in updated network equipment? File an E-Rate Form 470 Category Two application!

This competitive grant could cover up to $4,000 of the non-discounted portion of Category Two equipment costs. Priority goes to libraries with budgets under $1.5 million and those that didn't receive last year's funding.

A few things to remember: filing a Form 470 bid request doesn’t mean a purchase is required, this application window typically closes in late February, and cable installation isn't eligible for grant funding.

Got questions? Email rachel.walker@libraries.ok.gov. 

Deadline: March 2026.

To help kick off the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is now accepting applications for its FY26 discretionary grant cycle. As the leading source of federal funding for American museums, libraries, and related institutions, IMLS funding opportunities play a crucial role in furthering the Trump administration’s commitment to heritage preservation, workforce development, and civic education.   

Library Grant Programs:

• Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program - Supports the training and professional development of library and archives professionals to meet the information needs of their communities. 

• National Leadership Grants for Libraries - Supports projects that develop, enhance, or disseminate replicable practices, programs, models, or tools to strengthen library and archival services for the American public. 

• Native American Library Services: Basic Grants - Assists eligible Native Communities in establishing, sustaining, and improving library services and operations with their communities. 

Deadline: March 13, 2026

Oklahoma Arts Council grants ensure individuals statewide have access to the arts. Much of the agency's budget is invested directly into Oklahoma communities in the form of grants, and more than 40 percent of the agency's grant funding supports arts and arts education programming in rural areas.

INTEGRIS Health is committed to partnering to improve the health of the communities it serves. The Community Giving Fund invests in nonprofit partners working to address complex issues that impact community well-being. Grant submissions typically open in the fall.

The Priddy Foundation is dedicated to the support of programs in human services, education, the arts, and health, which offer significant potential for individual development and community improvement.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant programs are available to qualifying nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store. They award grant funding to organizations that provide direct services to individuals of all ages, including Adult Education Instruction, GED or high school equivalency preparation, English Language Acquisition, children’s summer reading programs, and youth literacy initiatives.

The Pilcrow Foundation mission is to provide new, quality, hardcover children’s books to rural public libraries across the United States. The new books provided through the Children’s Book Project become part of the library’s permanent children’s book collection, thus ensuring children’s access to quality books for years to come.

 The Lisa Libraries donates new children's books and small libraries to organizations that work with kids in poor and under-served areas.

The C.W. Titus Foundation primarily awards grants for health, children’s services, and social services. It also provides support for arts and cultural programs.

The BlogSpot was put together by authors of the book, Winning Grants: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians,  Stephanie Gerding and Pam MacKellar. The site lists new and updated library grant opportunities.

National Network of Libraries of Medicine offers funding for projects that improve access to health information, increase engagement with research and data, expand professional knowledge, and support outreach that promotes awareness and use of NLM resources in local communities.

Rural Community Development Initiative Grants are awarded to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities and community and economic development projects in rural areas.

Grand River Dam Authority supports and assists activities, organizations, and causes which advance both governmental public purposes, as well as corporate purpose of GRDA by promoting community and economic development, tourism and recreational activities.

Grants.gov is the federal government’s official, centralized portal for finding and applying for federal grant opportunities. Managed under the President’s e‑Government initiatives and maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services, its mission is to simplify access to over 1,000 competitive discretionary grant programs offered across 26 federal agencies. 

Questions? Please email librarydevelopment@libraries.ok.gov.

ODL now offers a quick way to view all of our currently available grants in one place! Thanks to new functionality in Foundant, you can browse open grant opportunities any time.

Check back often, as new opportunities may be added throughout the year—and be sure to bookmark the page for easy access!

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