Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2027)

What the official notice requires

Pulled from the official notice fy27-ols-lb21-NOFO.pdf (90 pages) so you can see the requirements at a glance. Each item shows the notice's own words. Open the page to read it in context.

Registrations you need first (2)

• SAM.gov, Unique Entity ID (UEI), Grants.gov · p. 5

  “Set up your SAM.gov (including Unique Entity Identifier) and Grants.gov registrations now.” Open page 5

• Login.gov · p. 5

  “You’ll need an active SAM.gov account and a Login.gov account to register and access Grants.gov.” Open page 5

Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist

What to submit

• Budget narrative / justification · p. 29

  “You must explain all proposed expenses in the Budget Justification.” Open page 29

• Indirect cost rate agreement · p. 30

  “However, the rate must be finalized by the time your budget is approved before we make an award;  use a rate not to exceed 15 percent of the Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) if your organization currently does not have a Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost…” Open page 30

• Resumes or bios of key staff · p. 43

  “Resumes of Key Project Staff and Consultants Provide a resume for each person whose expertise is essential to the success of the project.” Open page 43

• Timeline or schedule of completion · p. 48

  “Forms (follow form and Grants.gov instructions) □ SF-424S □ IMLS Library – Discretionary Program Information Form Files □ Narrative □ Schedule of Completion □ IMLS Budget Form □ Budget Justification □ Resumes of Key Project Staff and Consultants □ Digital…” Open page 48

Length limits

• Page limit (see quote): 10 pages max · p. 35

  “PDF Page Limit: 10 pages max.” Open page 35

• Page limit (see quote): 1 page (suggested, not required) · p. 35

  “PDF Page Limit: 1 page per year (recommended) File Name:” Open page 35

• Page limit (see quote): 2 pages (suggested, not required) · p. 35

  “PDF Page Limit: 2 pages each (recommended) File Name:” Open page 35

• Character limit (see quote): 200 characters max · p. 71

  “Enter a brief descriptive title for your project, using no more than 200 characters, including spaces.” Open page 71

• Abstract: 3,000 characters max · p. 74

  “Abstract Write an Abstract of no more than 3,000 characters (including spaces) in a concise narrative format for experts as well as for a general audience.” Open page 74

Formatting rules

• 11-point font · p. 39

  “PDF Font Size: 11-point or higher Margins: 0.5 inches or greater Components:” Open page 39

Cost share or match

• Cost share / match · p. 16

  “Project Type IMLS Funding Range Cost Share Requirement Planning $75,000 - $200,000 No cost share required.” Open page 16

• Cost share / match · p. 16

  “Forum $75,000 - $200,000 No cost share required.” Open page 16

• Cost share / match · p. 16

  “Community-Centered Implementation $25,000 - $100,000 No cost share required.” Open page 16

• Cost share / match · p. 17

  “Early Career Research $75,000 - $750,000 No cost share required.” Open page 17

Dates in the notice

• November 13, 2026 · p. 3

  “FY 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity Applications Due November 13, 2026 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Funding Opportunity Number:” Open page 3

Mistakes that get applications rejected (3)

• Not an eligible applicant: We will notify you if your application will not be reviewed because your organization is determined to be... · p. 15

  “We will notify you if your application will not be reviewed because your organization is determined to be ineligible.  To receive an IMLS award, your organization must be determined to be eligible and must comply with all applicable IMLS, administrative and…” Open page 15

• Over the length limit: We will remove any pages over the stated limits and they will not be sent to peer review; any additional... · p. 37

  “We will remove any pages over the stated limits and they will not be sent to peer review; any additional pages will not be considered part of your application.” Open page 37

• Over the length limit: Prepare Your Application Your Application 37 Proposal Narrative - Required Format Page Limit: 10 numbered... · p. 39

  “Prepare Your Application Your Application 37 Proposal Narrative - Required Format Page Limit: 10 numbered pages We will remove any pages over the limit and will not send them to peer review; and additional pages will not be considered part of your application.” Open page 39