Museums for America (2026)
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- MFA-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 project-based grant proposals from museums of all sizes and disciplines through the Museums for America (MFA) program for fiscal year 2026. Eligible applicants include units of state, local, or Tribal government and private nonprofit organizations located in the United States and U.S. territories that meet specific museum criteria, including maintaining professional staff, being organized for educational or cultural purposes, and exhibiting tangible objects to the general public for at least 120 days annually. Proposed projects must align with one of three primary goals: Lifelong Learning (public programs and exhibitions), Community Engagement (collaborative planning and community-centered initiatives), or Collections Stewardship and Access (cataloging, conservation, and digitization). Projects should address a key goal identified in the institution's strategic plan, reflect thorough understanding of current practices, and generate measurable results. Peer reviewers will evaluate applications based on project justification alignment with MFA goals, work plan feasibility, cost-share requirements (equal to or greater than the federal award amount), and realistic project results. The application deadline is March 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, with award notifications anticipated in August 2026 and project start dates of September 1, 2026.
IMLS expects to award approximately $21.7 million through approximately 122 awards, with individual grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 and an average award of $177,860. Projects may run for one to three years through August 31, 2029. All approved applicants must submit complete applications through Grants.gov, including the SF-424S form, IMLS Museum Program Information Form, organizational profile, strategic plan summary, a seven-page narrative, schedule of completion, IMLS Budget Form, budget justification, staff resumes, and a performance measurement plan. Projects will be performed at eligible museum locations throughout the United States and designated U.S. territories.
Synopsis
The Museums for America (MFA) program invests in museums of all sizes and 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-mfa-NOFO.pdf | ||
| fy26-oms-mfa-NOFO.pdf |
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