Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2026)
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- IGSM-FY26
- Applications due
- Award size
- $5,000 to $75,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
-
- 45.301 Museums for America
- 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 (IMLS) is soliciting applications for the Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2026), a special initiative designed to support project-based efforts by small museums of all disciplines in delivering educational programs, exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship activities. Eligible applicants include units of state, local, or tribal government and private nonprofit organizations located in the United States or U.S. territories that operate qualifying museums. Applications must align with two primary program objectives: Lifelong Learning (supporting experiential learning and discovery) and Collections Stewardship and Access (supporting management and care of collections). The evaluation criteria emphasize project justification, work plan quality, and expected measurable results tied directly to identified institutional needs. All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 13, 2026, with award notifications expected in August 2026.
The program will distribute a total of $3,000,000 in anticipated funding across approximately 75 awards, with small projects receiving $5,000–$25,000 (requiring no cost share) and large projects receiving $25,001–$75,000 (requiring a 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources). Successful projects will operate for a three-year performance period beginning September 1, 2026, and concluding August 31, 2029. All project activities and services will be conducted at eligible museum locations throughout the United States and U.S. territories, with applicant organizations serving as the responsible entities for project implementation and oversight.
Synopsis
Inspire Grants for Small Museums (Inspire) is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through educational programs and exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship activities.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| fy26-oms-igsm-NOFO.pdf | ||
| fy26-oms-igsm-NOFO.pdf |
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