Museums Empowered (2027)
This grant funds professional development projects that help museum staff learn new skills and drive positive change in museums of any type or size.
Funder: Institute of Museum and Library Services
Due Dates: November 13, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$350,000 per award; up to $4,299,000 total program funding; project period 1–3 years; ~20 awards
Summary: Supports professional development projects that foster change and growth for museum staff across all types and sizes of museums.
Key Information: 1:1 non-federal cost share/match required; eligibility limited to qualifying museums and related entities.
Description
This grant supports projects that use professional development and training to generate change and growth within museums of all types and sizes. The program, a special initiative of the Museums for America grant, is designed to strengthen museum staff through targeted learning in digital technology, evaluation, and organizational management. Projects may focus on building staff skills with digital tools, enhancing evaluation capacity, or addressing institutional priorities through workforce development. The ultimate goal is to foster a resilient, skilled, and adaptive museum workforce.
