Applications are now open for the 2026-27 cycle of the NEA Big Read, a national program that offers matching grants of up to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs.

This year’s NEA Big Read will center around the theme America250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial.

The 24 NEA Big Read books available for programming this cycle celebrate America’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its people.

Using a book selection as inspiration, applicants will facilitate discussions, writing workshops, and creative programming activities that explore this theme and celebrate the unique aspects of their communities.