The National Education Association (NEA) recognizes the funding challenges many school libraries face and offers mini-grants to support educators in acquiring books that elevate disability rights and expand the visibility of disabled people, perspectives, and lived experiences. Ensuring these stories are present in school libraries is essential to building inclusive communities grounded in equity, understanding, and respect.
Who is eligible to apply?
School librarians/media specialists and other educators.
What is expected in return for the grant?
Successful grant recipients must coordinate with their school librarian/media specialist to identify and order books from the NEA Disability Awareness Book list by August 1, 2026, and complete the required post-grant survey by December 31, 2026.
Can I purchase books that are not on the NEA Disability Awareness Book List?
Yes. Applicants may request to purchase additional titles outside of the approved NEA Disability Awareness Book List. To do so, you must submit the title(s), author(s), and a brief rationale for each book via email for review and approval prior to purchase. Only books that receive prior approval will be eligible for reimbursement using grant funds.
What if my school doesn’t have a librarian or media specialist?
For schools that do not have a librarian/media specialist, grantees must describe how books will be incorporated into the library collection.
How much funding is available through the grants?
The grant program will provide 25 individual awards of $1,200 each, with funding distributed through the local affiliate for each selected school or educator.
Apply Now! Applications close on May 29th, 2026, at 11:59pm PST.
Are you an affiliate?
