Museums Empowered (2026)
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- ME-FY26
- Applications due
- Award size
- $5,000 to $300,000
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 seeking applications for the Museums Empowered (ME) grant program, a special initiative under the Museums for America program that funds professional development and training projects designed to generate organizational change and growth within museums. Eligible applicants include units of state, local, or tribal government and private nonprofit organizations operating qualifying museums located in the United States or U.S. territories, with requirements including professional staff, a permanent educational or cultural purpose, regular public exhibitions (minimum 120 days annually), and organized collections. The program prioritizes three core goals: strengthening digital technology integration into museum operations, enhancing staff evaluation capabilities for program improvement, and supporting museum staff development within resilient organizational cultures. Peer reviewers will evaluate applications based on alignment with program goals, strategic planning integration, stakeholder involvement, staff qualifications, resource appropriateness, digital product practices, project tracking methods, and sustainability planning. The application deadline is March 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, with award notifications anticipated in August 2026 and a mandatory 1:1 cost share requirement.
IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $4.299 million through approximately 20 grants, with individual award amounts ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 (average $214,950 based on historical data). The project performance period runs from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2029, providing museums with a three-year implementation timeline. All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and must include required documentation such as the SF-424S form, IMLS Museum Program Information Form, organizational profile, strategic plan summary, seven-page narrative, budget forms with justification, staff resumes, and a performance measurement plan. Awardees must comply with 2 CFR Part 200 and Part 3187 and submit interim and final performance and financial reports through the IMLS electronic grants management system.
Synopsis
Museums Empowered (ME) is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program that supports projects that use professional development and training to generate change and growth within museums of all types and sizes.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| fy26-oms-me-NOFO.pdf | ||
| fy26-oms-me-NOFO.pdf |
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