Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2027)
This grant supports African American museums and HBCUs by funding projects that develop museum professionals, strengthen institutions, and improve access to collections.
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: $5,000–$500,000 per award | Up to $6,000,000 total program funding | 1–3 year grant period | ~32 awards expected
Summary: Supports projects that build capacity and workforce development at African American museums and HBCUs, including expanding access to collections and professional growth.
Key Information: Cost share required for requests over $100,000; eligibility limited to specific museum types, museum service organizations, and HBCUs.
Description
The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), funds projects that enhance institutional capacity, professional development, and access to collections at African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program aims to strengthen these institutions’ ability to serve their communities and advance the professional workforce within the museum sector.
AAHC supports a range of activities, including developing public programs and exhibitions, improving collections care and access, strategic planning, and implementing internships, fellowships, or staff training initiatives. Projects must align with one of the program’s core goals: building institutional capacity or supporting workforce development.
