Community-Wide Reading Programs

Posted by on October 31, 2011

Big Read Invites Applications for Community-Wide Reading Programs
Deadline: February 1, 2012

The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment, is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations to develop community-wide reading programs between September 2012 and June 2013.

Organizations selected to participate in the Big Read receive a grant, access to online training resources and opportunities, and educational and promotional materials designed to support widespread community involvement and participation. Approximately seventy-five organizations from throughout the United States will be selected.

Applicant organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; 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.

Community organizations participating in the Big Read are expected to develop and produce a well-planned, well-attended, community-wide read with innovative, diverse programming, and widespread community involvement and participation. Activities should last approximately one month and focus on one book or poet from the Big Read Library.

Organizations may apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 each, depending on community size and number of activities planned. Grants must be matched at least 1 to 1 with nonfederal funds. Grant funds may be used for such expenses as book purchases, speaker fees and travel, salaries, advertising, and venue rental.

Visit the Big Read Web site for complete program guidelines, project development resources, and application materials.

http://www.neabigread.org/application_process.php