NSDA Weekly Grant Update: November 7, 2025
This is your weekly grant opportunities update from The National Special Districts Association. Special districts are either eligible to apply directly, or able to partner with a qualifying entity to apply for any of the grants listed.
New Grant Opportunities
Department of Energy
FY 2026 Improving Efficiency, Reliability, and Flexibility of Coal-Based Power Plants
- WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to design, implement, test and validate strategic refurbishment/retrofit of existing coal power plants, providing a path for rapid and cost-effective restoration of stability to the nation’s bulk power system while supporting the nation’s industrial and energy security priorities by enabling coal powered systems to provide reliable, secure, and affordable electricity delivered in the near term at scale.
- WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible entities include institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, state and local governmental entities, and Indian tribes.
- TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $100 million
- WHEN IS IT DUE? January 7, 2026
National Endowment for the Arts
FY 2027 NEA Big Read Program
- WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program supports organizations across the country in hosting dynamic community-wide reading programs that broaden people's understanding of the world, themselves, and their neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience.
- WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, universities/colleges, school districts, public libraries, tribal organizations, museums, and community services organizations. If the applicant itself is not itself a library, it must partner with a community library.
- TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $1.09 million
- WHEN IS IT DUE? January 15, 2026 (Mandatory Intent to Apply); January 29, 2026 (Full Application)
Latest Grant News
Energy Department Announces $100 Million to Restore America’s Coal Plants
All 50 States Seek to Transform Rural Health with CMS
Federal Shutdown Resources
We have included the following resources to help you stay informed during the ongoing federal government shutdown. For additional guidance, please reach out to your TFG Client Manager.
NACo: What Counties Need to Know When a Government Shutdown Happens
NACo: Federal Government Shutdown Resource Hub
NCSL: Federal Government Shutdown: What It Means for States and Programs
NLC: Local Official Checklist: Navigating a Federal Government Shutdown
TFG: Local Impacts of a Federal Government Shutdown
TFG: Federal Government Shutdown Impacts on Local Communities and Providers