GrantPostedDiscretionary

Museums Empowered (2026)

Institute of Museum and Library Services
ME-FY26
Application Deadline
Mar 13, 2026
Closed
Days Remaining
0
Deadline passed
Award Ceiling
$300,000
Total Program Funding
$4,299,000

Grant Opportunity Analysis

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is inviting applications for the "Museums Empowered" grant program for FY2026, aimed at supporting professional development and training initiatives within museums across the United States. This program focuses on enhancing digital technology integration, strengthening evaluation practices, and fostering resilient organizational cultures, with applicants required to align their proposals with one of three specific program goals: Digital Technology, Evaluation, or Organizational Management. The initiative plays a crucial role in preserving American history and promoting national heritage while encouraging the adoption of new technologies and fostering civil dialogue. A total of $4,299,000 is available for distribution across approximately 20 awards, ranging from $5,000 to $300,000, with a mandatory 1:1 non-federal cost share. Applications are due by March 13, 2026, and interested parties can reach out to IMLS at imls-museumgrants@imls.gov for further information.

Eligible Applicants

Others
Additional Eligibility Information

See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for program eligibility criteria.

Grant Documents

1 Files
fy26-oms-me-NOFO.pdf
PDF883 KB1/16/2026
AI Summary
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Office of Museum Services (OMS) invites museums to apply for the “Museums Empowered” grant program for FY2026. This initiative supports professional development and training to foster growth in museums, with a focus on integrating digital technology, strengthening evaluation practices, and building resilient organizational cultures. Applicants must align their proposals with one of three program goals: Digital Technology, Evaluation, or Organizational Management. The grant aims to preserve American history, promote appreciation for national heritage, encourage new technologies like AI, and foster civil dialogue. Eligibility requires museums to be located in the U.S. or its territories, be a unit of state, local, or Tribal government or a private nonprofit, and meet specific criteria as a museum. The program anticipates awarding $4,299,000 across 20 awards, ranging from $5,000 to $300,000, with applications due by March 13, 2026. A 1:1 non-federal cost share is mandatory.

Related Grant Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Opportunity PostedJan 13, 2026
deadlineApplication DeadlineMar 13, 2026

Funding Details

Award Ceiling
$300,000
Award Floor
$5,000
Est. Total Program Funding
$4,299,000
Expected Awards
20
Cost sharing required

Agency & Classification

Agency
Institute of Museum and Library Services(IMLS)
Funding Category
Humanities
Funding Instrument
Grant

Grantor Contact

CFDA Numbers

45.301

Official Sources