Grants & Funding Resources

Discover current opportunities and member-exclusive resources to help your small or rural library secure funding for programs, services, and community initiatives.

Tip: Bookmark this page for easy access. We regularly update information as application timelines open and close, and as new resources become available.

Infinite Sums Rural & Small Libraries Cohort Grant Program

Applications open September 1–30, 2025. Check back September 1st to apply.

Infinite Sums Rural & Small Libraries Cohort Grant Program is supported by the Simons Foundation as part of its Infinite Sums initiative and offered in partnership with SciStarter. ARSL is proud to provide this educational training experience and financial support to small and rural libraries across the United States.

Fifteen library workers will receive a $10,000 grant, and will host community-wide events for patrons of all ages on Pi Day, Infinity Day, and Fibonacci Day in 2026. Cohort members will participate in monthly virtual training sessions and attend two in-person gatherings.

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Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities

Applications closed on December 11, 2024. Round 4 will open in Fall 2025.

The American Library Association (ALA)'s Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities program will award more than $14 million in grants to help small and rural libraries improve accessibility in their facilities, services, and programs for people with disabilities. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $20,000.

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Sustainable & Resilient New England Libraries Grant

Applications have closed for 2025 and will open in early 2026.

Through ongoing support from The Manton Foundation, ARSL administers this program to enhance library facilities and services, ensuring resilient, thriving communities throughout New England.

Geographic Focus: Small and/or rural libraries in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

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Member Benefit: Grant Opportunities Digest

A curated, regularly updated compilation of grant opportunities relevant to small and rural libraries—exclusive to ARSL members. Delivered monthly on the first Thursday.

Content Includes:

  • National and regional grant opportunities designed with rural communities in mind
  • Grant application resources, including webinars, newsletters, and reference materials
  • Easy-to-digest summaries with geographic focus, key dates, funding details, reporting requirements, and application criteria

Not a Member? Consider joining ARSL to access a comprehensive range of resources specifically designed for small and rural libraries.