[Institute of Museum and Library Services](https://www.imls.gov)

March 13, 2026

$5,000–$500,000 per award | Up to $6,000,000 total program funding | Project period: 1–3 years | ~16 awards expected

Supports projects that build the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums and professional workforce development in American Latino cultural institutions.

--- ## Description This grant program supports projects that strengthen the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums to serve their communities and advance the professional workforce in American Latino cultural institutions. The program aims to fund initiatives that develop, enhance, or expand public programs, exhibitions, collections care, strategic planning, and workforce development (including internships, fellowships, and staff training) in alignment with the mission of American Latino museums. Projects may address: - Public programs, exhibitions, and school programs - Collections care, conservation, and expanded access - Strategic planning and improved management practices - Professional development, internships, fellowships, and mentoring for museum staff and volunteers The program encourages applications from institutions serving rural or remote communities and those that have not traditionally received federal funding. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 (11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time) - Anticipated award notification: August 2026 - Project start date: September 1, 2026 - Project period: 1–3 years --- ## Funding Amount - Award Range: $5,000 to $500,000 per project - Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,000,000 - Expected Number of Awards: Approximately 16 - Average award size in previous years: ~$375,000 - No cost share or matching required --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be located in the U.S., its territories, or freely associated states (including DC, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, or Palau). - Be one of the following: - A unit of state, local, or tribal government, **or** - A private, nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status, **or** - An institution of higher education - Qualify as one of the following: - A museum whose primary purpose is American Latino life, art, history, or culture, using professional staff, organized on a permanent basis for educational, heritage, or aesthetic purposes, caring for and exhibiting tangible objects to the public - A public or private nonprofit agency responsible for the operation of such a museum, applying on its behalf - A museum service organization or association supporting eligible American Latino museums - An institution of higher education Special notes: - Museums within parent organizations may apply if they function as discrete units with their own budget and authority. - Nonprofit organizations affiliated with a museum may be eligible if their sole mission is to support the museum and they can administer the project. - Native American tribal organizations are encouraged to apply if they meet the above requirements. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361146) by the deadline. - Required registrations: - Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - Active registration with SAM.gov - Grants.gov registration with an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) - Required documents include: - SF-424S (Short Organizational Form) - IMLS Museum Program Information Form - Organizational Profile - Project Narrative (max 7 pages) - Schedule of Completion - IMLS Budget Form and Budget Justification - List and resumes of key project staff/consultants - Performance Measurement Plan - Conditionally required documents (e.g., proof of nonprofit status, indirect cost rate agreement, digital products plan) - Optional supporting documents (e.g., letters of support, curriculum, images) For detailed instructions, see the [FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)](https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/fy26-oms-alhc-NOFO.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - No cost sharing or matching is required, though cost share is allowed and must be met if included in the application. - Allowable costs include personnel, travel, materials, equipment, training, evaluation, and indirect costs (see NOFO for details). - Unallowable costs include general fundraising, endowment contributions, general operating support, acquisition of collections, construction/renovation, and research projects. - Applications are reviewed via a peer review process; see NOFO for review criteria. - Awardees must comply with federal regulations and IMLS general terms and conditions. --- ## External Links - [IMLS Program Page](https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/museum-grants-for-american-latino-history-and-culture) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361146) - [FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF)](https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/fy26-oms-alhc-NOFO.pdf) - [Webinars and Applicant Resources](https://www.imls.gov/webinars/getting-started-imls-museum-grants-fy-2026) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Additional Info | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------| | Program Office | [imls-museumgrants@imls.gov](mailto:imls-museumgrants@imls.gov) | 202-653-4744 | [Contact page](https://www.imls.gov/contact-us) | | Program Officer (for counseling calls) | [misaksen@imls.gov](mailto:misaksen@imls.gov) | 202-653-4667 | [Book a call](https://outlook.office365.com/book/IMLSOfficeofMuseumServices@imls.gov/s/v15GOXaiBEmTAwDwePVUVw2?ismsaljsauthenabled) | ---

Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2026)

Sign in to see full grant listing