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

March 13, 2026

$5,000–$300,000 per award (up to 3 years); $21,699,000 total program funding; ~122 awards expected

Supports project-based efforts by museums to serve the public through educational programs, community partnerships, and collections stewardship.

1:1 non-federal cost share required; museums of all sizes and disciplines are eligible.

--- ## Description The Museums for America (MFA) program, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides competitive project-based grants to museums of all types and sizes. The program aims to strengthen the ability of museums to serve their communities through educational programming, community engagement, and the stewardship of collections. Projects must align with one of three goals: advancing lifelong learning, strengthening community engagement, or improving collections stewardship and access. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 (11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time) - Anticipated award notification: August 2026 - Earliest project start date: September 1, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Award range: $5,000 to $300,000 per project - Project duration: Up to 3 years - Estimated total program funding: $21,699,000 - Expected number of awards: Approximately 122 - Average previous award: $177,860 - **Cost share requirement:** 1:1 match with non-federal funds (cash or in-kind) --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Be a unit of state, local, or Tribal government, or a private nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status. - Be located in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, or Palau. - Qualify as a museum or be a parent entity operating a qualifying museum. Museums must: - Use professional staff (at least one staff member, paid or unpaid, primarily engaged in museum activities) - Be organized on a permanent basis for educational, cultural heritage, or aesthetic purposes - Own or use tangible objects (including living collections), care for them, and exhibit them to the public regularly (at least 120 days/year) - Museums within multipurpose organizations (e.g., universities) may apply if they function as discrete units with their own budget and authority. - Multiple applications allowed for distinct projects. **Common types of eligible institutions:** Art museums, history museums, science/technology centers, children's museums, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, planetariums, historic sites, and more. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361142) by the deadline. - Applicants must have: - A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - An active SAM.gov registration - An active Grants.gov registration **Required application components:** - SF-424S (Short Organizational Form) - IMLS Museum Program Information Form (PDF) - Organizational Profile (PDF) - Strategic Plan Summary (PDF) - Project Narrative (PDF, 7 pages max) - Schedule of Completion (PDF) - IMLS Budget Form (PDF) - Budget Justification (PDF) - List and resumes of key project staff/consultants - Performance Measurement Plan (PDF) - Additional documents as applicable (e.g., proof of nonprofit status, indirect cost rate agreement, digital products plan) **Review process:** Peer review based on alignment with program goals, project justification, work plan, results, and sustainability. --- ## Additional Information - **Cost share:** Applicants must provide at least a 1:1 match with non-federal funds. - **Allowable costs:** Personnel, materials, equipment, travel, evaluation, digital asset management, and more. - **Unallowable costs:** General fundraising, endowments, general operating support, acquisition of collections, construction/renovation, and research projects. - **Reporting:** Interim and final performance and financial reports required. - **Accessibility:** Projects must comply with federal nondiscrimination and accessibility standards. - **Contact program officers** for project counseling before applying (see below). --- ## External Links - [Museums for America Program Page (IMLS)](https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/museums-for-america) - [FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) PDF](https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/fy26-oms-mfa-NOFO.pdf) - [Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361142) - [IMLS Webinars: Getting Started with IMLS Museum Grants for FY 2026](https://www.imls.gov/webinars/getting-started-imls-museum-grants-fy-2026) - [How to Apply – IMLS](https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/how-to-apply/funding-opportunities) --- ## Contact Information | Topic/Area | Name & Title | Email | Phone | Scheduling Link | |----------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------|----------------| | Lifelong Learning | Helen Wechsler, Supervisory Grants Management Specialist | Hwechsler@imls.gov | 202-653-4779 | [Book a call](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/IMLSOfficeofMuseumServices@imls.gov/bookings/s/vXEqdvRWCkyy9dX6CIvtqw2) | | Community Engagement | Sarah Glass, Senior Museum Program Officer | sglass@imls.gov | 202-653-4668 | [Book a call](https://outlook.office365.com/book/IMLSOfficeofMuseumServices@imls.gov/s/7MdzF_WcrkeWa5PkrDg6Hw2) | | Collections Stewardship | Mark Feitl, Senior Museum Program Officer | mfeitl@imls.gov | 202-653-4635 | [Book a call](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/IMLSOfficeofMuseumServices@imls.gov/bookings/s/Ie6pKrxoH0OyEwU5kaDYiQ2) | | General Grants Info | IMLS Grants Team | imls-museumgrants@imls.gov | 202-653-4657 | | | IMLS Main Contact | IMLS | imlsinfo@imls.gov | 202-653-4657 | | ---

Museums for America (2026)

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