Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2026)
ID: 361145Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

Award Range

$5K - $75K

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Humanities

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is offering the "Inspire Grants for Small Museums" to support small museums in celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. This grant initiative aims to enhance the role of museums as custodians of American heritage by funding projects that preserve history, foster appreciation for American narratives, and promote civil dialogue, particularly in rural and remote communities. The program anticipates awarding approximately $3,000,000 to around 75 institutions, with individual project funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, and a 1:1 cost share is required for larger projects. Interested applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov by the March 13, 2026, deadline and can find more information at the IMLS website or contact them via email at imls-museumgrants@imls.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is offering "Inspire Grants for Small Museums" (IGSM-FY26) to support small museums in celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The grant aims to enhance museums' roles as custodians of American heritage, focusing on projects that preserve history, foster appreciation for American narratives, utilize new technologies, and promote civil dialogue. Projects serving rural and remote communities are particularly encouraged. The program provides funding for small projects ($5,000-$25,000) and large projects ($25,001-$75,000), with a total of $3,000,000 anticipated to be awarded to approximately 75 institutions. Applicants must be eligible museums or non-profit organizations located in the U.S. or its territories and register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov by the March 13, 2026, deadline. A 1:1 cost share is required for large projects. The grants support two main objectives: experiential learning and collections stewardship.
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