National Leadership Grants for Museums (2027)
Open Closes November 13, 2026 (13 days left)
Institute of Museum and Library Services is offering grants of up to $750,000 (at least $50,000) to the applicants described in the notice. It expects to make about 17 awards worth $8.0 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$750,000
- Award floor$50,000
- Expected awards17
- Total funding$8.0 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 program eligibility criteria.
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
The National Leadership Grants for Museums program (NLG-M) invests in projects that address critical needs of the museum field. NLG-M projects have the potential to advance practice in the profession to strengthen museum services for the public through the development and replication of model practices, tools, research findings, and collaborations, including through the creative and effective use of new and emerging technologies.
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 National Leadership Grants for 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 National Leadership Grants for 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 $750,000 each. About $8.0 million in total across about 17 awards.