21st Century Museum Professionals Program (2027)
This grant funds projects that develop museum workforce skills, create career pathways, and enhance professional training and networking for museum professionals.
Funder: Institute of Museum and Library Services
Due Dates: November 13, 2026: Full application submission deadline (submit through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$500,000 per award; up to $2,000,000 total program funding; 8 awards anticipated; 1–3 year project period; 1:1 cost share required.
Summary: Supports projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and advance workforce education and training in the museum field.
Description
The grant program supports the development of the museum workforce by funding projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and identify and share effective workforce education and training practices. The program aims to support the professional development of current museum professionals and to recruit and train the next generation of museum professionals. Projects may include the creation or enhancement of professional development programs, assessment and evaluation of training, and expansion of alternative pathways into the museum field. Partnerships among museums, museum-serving organizations, and institutions of higher education are encouraged.
