21st Century Museum Professionals Program (2027)
Open Posted
- Opportunity number
- 21MP-FY27
- Applications due
- Award size
- $100,000 to $500,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Categories
-
- Arts
- Humanities
- Eligible applicants
-
- Other
- Points of contact
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is soliciting applications for the 21st Century Museum Professionals Program to support projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and identify and share effective workforce education and training practices in the museum field, with applications due November 13, 2026. A mandatory 1:1 non-federal cost share requirement applies—awardees must provide non-federal funds equal to the federal award amount.
Eligible applicants are units of state, local, or tribal government; private nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status; museums; museum-related organizations or associations; institutions of higher education; and nonprofits responsible for operating eligible museums. Applicants must be located in the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau.
IMLS anticipates awarding approximately eight grants at $100,000 to $500,000 each (average $250,000) from a total of $2 million in available funding. Projects run one to three years beginning August 1, 2027, through July 31, 2030. Award notification is expected July 2027.
Applicants must select one of two program goals—either supporting professional development of the current museum workforce or recruiting and training future museum professionals—and identify one associated objective in their narrative. Peer reviewers will evaluate applications on project justification, alignment with program goals, evidence-based needs assessment, appropriateness of primary audience and beneficiaries, project work plan including activities and staffing, reasonableness of resources, and sustainability of project benefits.
Required submissions include SF-424S form, IMLS Museum Program Information Form, organizational profile, 7-page narrative, budget forms and justification, key staff resumes, and performance measurement plan. Assistance Listing: 45.032.
Synopsis
The 21st Century Museum Professionals (21MP) grant program supports projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and identify and share effective workforce education and training practices in the museum field.
Eligibility
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for program eligibility criteria.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| fy27-oms-21mp-NOFO.pdf |
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