1,316 foundations$717.5M total annual giving$11K median grant54 states with funders
Discover 1,316 grantmaking foundations funding libraries programs, with combined annual giving of $717.5M. The median grant size for libraries is $11K.
Libraries Grantmaking at a Glance
Foundations
1,316
Total Annual Giving
$717.5M
Total Assets Under Management
$11.4B
Median Grant Size
$11K
States with Funders
54
Total Grants on Record
21,273
Open Grant Opportunities
Live programs funding libraries that your nonprofit can apply to now.
Open nowCloses in 1 day (Nov 13, 2026)Award: Up to $2K
Community buildingCivic engagementArts and culture+3 more
Who can apply: Applicants must propose a creative project or event in a neighborhood or community, with a start date of January 1, 2027 or later and completion by September 30, 2027. Eligible applicants include schools and student organizations, nonprofit organizations with a specific community focus, churches and faith-based organizations, local governments, libraries and public institutions, community organizations, and informal groups of neighbors or community members. Businesses, organizations without a specific neighborhood focus, and past Bridge Builders recipients are not eligible. Projects may not be partisan political activities, sectarian religious activities, fee-based events or fundraisers, loans, routine maintenance, protests, or activities promoting violence, hate, discrimination, or exclusion.
Capital projectsAcademic facilitiesEquipment and furnishings+1 more
Who can apply: Independent colleges and universities with full-time traditional undergraduate enrollments of at least 1,000 students and total undergraduate and graduate enrollment of 5,000 or fewer FTEs in the six New England states, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, plus a few grandfathered institutions inside and outside the region.
Youth educationFishing and outdoor recreationCommunity engagement+2 more
Who can apply: Open to all National Park Service units and programs, official park partner organizations, Indigenous Tribes, and nonprofit community organizations actively working in collaboration with an NPS unit. Nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored by one.
LibrariesCollections developmentLibrary programming+2 more
Who can apply: Eligible libraries must serve rural or remote communities with populations under 40,000 and be government entities, Tribal governments, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits. College/university libraries, county law libraries, private charter schools, religious organizations, and individuals are ineligible. One collections or programming grant per year is allowed, and a signed letter of support is required.
Who can apply: Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Webster County, Iowa. Requests should support non-recurring programs, events, or projects emphasizing creativity, innovation, and education, and should benefit a broad cross-section of the community. Applications must be submitted before the event or project commences. Applicants must provide an IRS exemption status letter and a program, event, or project budget showing income and expenses.
The typical Libraries foundation awards grants of $11K. Approximately 30% of Libraries foundations actively fund new organizations, and 60% accept unsolicited proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Libraries Grants
How many foundations fund libraries?
There are 1,316 grantmaking foundations that fund libraries programs across 54 states.
What is the median grant size for libraries?
The median grant from foundations funding libraries is $11K. Actual grant sizes vary widely depending on the foundation's size and giving strategy.
What are the largest libraries foundations?
The largest foundations funding libraries by annual giving include BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FUND INC, SAN JOSE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION, LUZERNE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM, with combined giving of $8.3M.
Which states have the most libraries funders?
The states with the most libraries foundations are Pennsylvania (181), New York (172), Texas (113). Use the geographic breakdown above to see the full distribution.
How do I find libraries grants for my nonprofit?
Kindora's free funder database includes 1,316 foundations funding libraries with IRS 990 financial data, grant history, and geographic reach. Use the interactive discovery table above to filter by state, foundation type, and grant size. Sign up for a free account to access AI-powered grant intelligence including fit scores and application tips.
AI-Powered Grant Intelligence for Libraries
Fit Scores
See how well your nonprofit aligns with each libraries foundation's giving priorities, grantee profile, and geographic focus.
Application Tips
Get AI-generated guidance on how to approach each funder, including key talking points and proposal strategies.
Similar Funders
Discover foundations with similar giving patterns to expand your prospect list beyond the 1,316 libraries foundations.
Unlock AI-Powered Libraries Grant Intelligence
Sign up free to discover which libraries foundations are the best fit for your nonprofit.
Create a free Kindora account to unlock AI insights, detailed grant history, similar funders, and personalized matching for 1,316 libraries foundations.