National Leadership Grants for Museums (2026)
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- NLG-M-FY26
- Applications due
- Award size
- $50,000 to $750,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
-
- 45.312 National Leadership Grants
- 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 proposals for projects that advance critical needs in the museum field through the development and replication of model practices, tools, research findings, and collaborations that strengthen museum services for the public. Applicants must select one of three primary program goals: advancing museum-based learning and engagement practices, advancing the museum field's ability to respond to community needs, or identifying new solutions for collections care and conservation issues. Eligible applicants include museums, museum service organizations, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and government entities located in the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia, or U.S. territories. Projects are evaluated based on project justification, work plan feasibility, anticipated results, and potential for far-reaching impact beyond the applicant institution that can be adapted, scaled, or replicated across the museum profession. The application deadline is March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, with award notifications expected in August 2026 and project start dates of September 1, 2026.
Approximately 15 awards are anticipated, with individual grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $750,000 and a total funding pool of $5.8 million; the average award is $453,106. Non-research projects require a 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources, while research projects do not require matching funds. Projects will have a period of performance between one and three years, concluding on August 31, 2029. Performance locations must be in the United States or its territories, with eligible organizations serving as project hosts or fiscal agents.
Synopsis
The National Leadership Grants for Museums program (NLG-M) invests in projects that address critical needs of the museum field. NLG-M projects have the potential to advance practice in the profession to strengthen museum services for the public through the development and replication of model practices, tools, research findings, and collaborations.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| fy26-oms-nlgm-NOFO.pdf | ||
| fy26-oms-nlgm-NOFO.pdf |
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