Museums Empowered (2027)
Open Posted
- Opportunity number
- ME-FY27
- Applications due
- Award size
- $5,000 to $350,000
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 is soliciting applications for Museums Empowered, a professional development grant program supporting training and learning projects that generate organizational change within museums, with applications due November 13, 2026. Awardees must provide non-federal cost share equal to or greater than the federal award amount.
Eligible applicants are museums and parent entities operating museums 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, and Palau. Museums must employ at least one full-time professional staff member, maintain a permanent educational or cultural heritage mission, own or use tangible collections, and exhibit objects to the general public at least 120 days annually.
IMLS anticipates awarding approximately 20 grants totaling $4.299 million, with individual award amounts ranging from $5,000 to $350,000 and an average award of $214,950. Funded projects must begin September 1, 2027, and continue for one to three years through August 31, 2030. Award notifications are expected in August 2027.
The program emphasizes three primary goals: digital technology integration, evaluation capacity, and organizational management. Applications must include organizational profile, strategic plan summary, a maximum 7-page narrative, schedule of completion, IMLS budget form with justification, project staff resumes, and a performance measurement plan. Conditionally required documents include nonprofit status proof and digital products plan if applicable.
Peer review emphasizes alignment with program goals, strategic planning integration, project justification, work plan feasibility, staff qualifications, and sustainability of benefits beyond the award period.
This opportunity falls under Museums for America (CFDA 45.301).
Synopsis
Museums Empowered: Professional Development Opportunities for Museum Staff is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program, designed to support projects that use learning and training to generate change and growth within museums of all types and sizes.
Eligibility
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for program eligibility criteria.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| fy27-oms-me-NOFO.pdf |
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