National Leadership Grants for Museums (2027)
This grant funds innovative museum projects that address key needs, advance professional practices, and improve public services through models, tools, research, collaboration, and technology.
Funder: Institute of Museum and Library Services
Due Dates: November 13, 2026: Full application deadline (submit through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$750,000 per award | ~17 awards | Up to $8,000,000 total program funding | Project period: 1–3 years
Summary: Supports projects that address critical needs in the museum field through model practices, research, and collaborations to strengthen museum services for the public.
Key Information: Cost share required for non-research projects; research projects do not require cost share.
Description
The National Leadership Grants for Museums (NLG-M) program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), funds projects that address critical needs in the museum sector. These grants are designed to advance practice in the profession, strengthen museum services for the public, and foster the development and dissemination of model practices, tools, research findings, and collaborations—including innovative uses of emerging technologies. The program aims to:
- Advance museum-based learning and engagement practices.
- Enhance the ability of museums to respond to community needs.
- Identify and implement new solutions for high-priority collections care and conservation issues.
Primary audiences include museums, museum service organizations, affiliated nonprofits, and museum professionals. Secondary audiences are museum visitors and future museum professionals.
