Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027)
Open Closes November 13, 2026 (13 days left)
Institute of Museum and Library Services is offering grants of up to $75,000 (at least $5,000) to the applicants described in the notice. It expects to make about 75 awards worth $3.0 million in total. Applications close on November 13, 2026.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed September 1, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceiling$75,000
- Award floor$5,000
- Expected awards75
- Total funding$3.0 million
- Cost sharingRequired
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Posted | September 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | November 13, 2026 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to the applicants described in the notice.
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility information.
Is this a realistic fit?
- The notice requires cost sharing or matching funds, so you must contribute part of the project cost.
What the grant funds
Inspire Grants for Small Museums (Inspire) is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program designed to support small museums of all disciplines, including small rural or small remote institutions and small museums that have not previously received federal funding. The program funds project-based efforts to serve the public through educational programs and exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship activities. The goal of the Inspire program is to build the capacity of small museums to provide museum services to their communities through supporting the development of experiential learning and discovery in small museums, and the management and care of collections in small museums.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov and the agency's announcement. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to Institute of Museum and Library Services, imls-museumgrants@imls.gov, 202-653-4634.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027)?
Institute of Museum and Library Services accepts applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027)?
Closes November 13, 2026 (13 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
Awards of up to $75,000 each. About $3.0 million in total across about 75 awards.