The Association for Rural & Small Libraries is seeking applications for its 2026 Sustainable & Resilient New England Libraries Grant.
Donor Name: The Association for Rural & Small Libraries
State: Selected States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/10/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Since 2022, The Manton Foundation has partnered with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) to invest more than $1.4 million to strengthen small and rural libraries across New England. This funding has played a crucial role in supporting critical infrastructure and service improvements, ensuring these libraries remain vital community resources. In 2025 alone, more than half of applicants received grants averaging $11,800 per project. These awards primarily funded capital improvements, such as ADA accessibility upgrades, heating and air conditioning improvements, and LED lighting conversions. Additional grants supported community-driven programs, including food security initiatives, garden projects, and sustainability-focused events.
The public library serves as a cornerstone of small-town life, providing access to education, social services, internet connectivity, and cultural enrichment. Through ongoing support from The Manton Foundation, this program will continue to enhance library facilities and services, ensuring resilient, thriving communities throughout New England.
Funding Information
If selected, grants will be in the amount of $5,000-$15,000.
Requirements
- Libraries must be in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont.
- Libraries serving populations meeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definition of a small and/or rural library
- Grants must be used for facility improvements or outreach and programming activities that provide the library with sustainability and build resilience. Grant funds may be used to support costs associated with fundraising initiatives.
- Sample projects include weatherization, ADA compliance updates, sustainable facility certification, improvements to library green spaces, community events focused on sustainability, and staff efforts to support the diversification of local library funding needs.
- Libraries selected for funding may use the grant for one-time, non-renewable projects.
- No general operating grants will be considered.
- The ARSL Grants, Awards & Scholarships Committee assesses applicability through an established rubric during selection.
- Priority is given to first-time applicants, however prior awardees may request additional grants during subsequent grant cycles.
- ARSL membership is not required to participate in the grant program.
- If applicable, applicants must ensure that AI-assisted content is reviewed to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and relevance to the purpose of the grant, and no confidential information is placed in third-party AI application tools.
For more information, visit ARSL.
