About this grant
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for Regional Medical Libraries of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Established in 1965 and organized geographically across the United States and its territories, the NNLM promotes and supports the initiatives, products, and services of the NLM and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over the years, the network has expanded its impact through strategic partnerships with a broad array of member organizations, including health sciences, hospital, academic, and public libraries; health professionals; data organizations; and community-based groups. The NNLM’s core mission is to enable the effective use of—and contribution to—health information and data made available by the NLM and NIH. The network achieves this by providing professional development for librarians and information specialists, and by supporting access to health information and outreach through libraries and community organizations. A central emphasis of the NNLM is increasing awareness of and engagement with NIH programs and resources. While the NNLM has traditionally focused on promoting NLM-specific products, it is now poised to expand its reach across the broader NIH community. The network will play a vital role in disseminating research findings, fostering community engagement and partnerships, and supporting participation in local clinical research. In doing so, the NNLM will enhance public understanding of NIH’s contributions and increase the use of NIH-supported information and data resources. The NNLM consists of three major components: 1) the Network Coordinating Center (NCC), 2) Regional Medical Libraries (RMLs), and 3) the Network Training Center (NTC). This announcement specifically pertains to RMLs, with companion NOFOs forthcoming for the NCC and NTC. The RMLs will be responsible for generating and maintaining an active, engaged membership of organizations focused on biomedical health information and data dissemination, training, and literacy. The RMLs will work with the NCC and NTC to promote the activities, products, and services of the NLM as well as the NIH. The RMLs will work with the NCC to evaluate progress, performance, and impact of the Network, including the use of common metrics (standardized measures collected and reported), as well as proposed site-specific goals. The RMLs will collaborate with the NTC to identify training needs and execute professional development or information access programming. The RMLs should have strong competencies in building and managing long-term partnerships with groups and organizations, deep understanding of biomedical information and data sciences, and institutional connections with a health science library. Grant authority that allows NLM to forecast this opportunity is as follows: Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965 (MLAA, P.L. 89-291).
Who can apply
Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations.
What it funds
How to apply
Read the full announcement on Grants.gov before you start. Federal applications are submitted through Grants.gov (or the agency's own system) and require a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. Contact: NLM Extramural Programs · NLMProgram@nih.gov · Please contact via e-mail.
What are the odds for a first-time applicant?
A realistic target for an established nonprofit. 22% of awards go to first-time applicants and nonprofits win 15%. Based on 123 new awards in FY2023–25. Organizations under $1M in revenue won 0% of the awards that went to nonprofits. The median award is $702,000. Expect about 307 days between posting and deadline.
Who can apply for Network of the National Library of Medicine Regional Medical Libraries (UG4 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligible applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits; Public & state-controlled colleges; State governments; Special district governments; City or township governments; Others (see eligibility text); Federally recognized tribal governments; Public & Indian housing authorities; For-profit organizations; Native American tribal organizations; Small businesses; Independent school districts; Private colleges & universities; County governments; Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status. Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations.
When is the deadline?
Applications are due Dec 15, 2026. Always confirm the time and time zone in the official announcement.
How much funding is available?
Individual awards: Up to $600K. Total program funding: $4.2M. Expected number of awards: 7.
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