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The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, aims to restore reading to the center of American culture. Managed by Arts Midwest, the program provides organizations with grants and comprehensive resources that support efforts to inspire their community to read and discuss a single book or the work of a poet. Community organizations participating in the Big Read develop and produce reading programs that encourage reading and participation by diverse local audiences. These programs include activities such as author readings, book discussions, art exhibits, lectures, film series, music or dance events, theatrical performances, panel discussions, and other events and activities related to the community's chosen book or poet. Activities must focus on a book or poet from the Big Read Library. Previous grantees must select a different reading choice from their previous programming. The program is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations to develop reading programs between September 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019. Organizations selected to participate receive a grant, educational and promotional materials, and access to online training resources and opportunities. Approximately seventy-five organizations will be selected from communities of varying size in the United States. Eligible organizations may apply for grants ranging between $5,000 and $15,000. Grants must be matched on a one-to-one basis with non-federal funds. Grant funds may be used for such expenses as book purchases, speaker fees and travel, salaries, advertising, and venue rental.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is seeking to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with a U.S. Regional Arts Organization (RAO) that will administer the 2019-2020 cycle of the NEA Big Read program. The NEA Big Read is a community reading program that broadens our understanding of the world, communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. The program annually supports approximately 75 community reading programs, each designed around a single NEA Big Read book selection. Each participating community organization: selects a book from the available titles for the entire community to read and celebrate over a 4-6 week time period; presents a series of public events about the featured book, such as book group discussions, readings, and media and arts programs; promotes participation in the program; and reports on the type and number of participants at events. Community programs each receive an NEA Big Read subgrant-ranging from $5,000 to $15,000-to undertake these activities and are provided with resources to support project programming.