National Leadership Grants for Museums (2027)
Open Posted
- Opportunity number
- NLG-M-FY27
- 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 seeks applicants for the National Leadership Grants for Museums program, which will award approximately $8 million across approximately 17 grants ranging from $50,000 to $750,000, with applications due November 13, 2026. Non-research projects require 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources; research projects require no cost share.
Eligible applicants are museums, museum service organizations, affiliated nonprofits, and institutions of higher education located in the United States, U.S. territories, or freely associated states that are government units or private nonprofits with IRS tax-exempt status. Applicants must designate projects as either non-research or research and select one of three 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 or conservation issues.
Projects begin September 1, 2027, and run one to three years through August 31, 2030. Award notification is anticipated in August 2027. Indirect costs may be charged at a federally negotiated rate or up to 15 percent of modified total direct costs if no negotiated rate exists.
Required application components include SF-424S form, IMLS Museum Program Information Form, organizational profile, 10-page narrative, schedule of completion, IMLS budget form with justification, key staff resumes, and performance measurement plan. Conditionally required documents include nonprofit status proof, indirect cost rate agreement, digital products plan where applicable, and public access plan for research projects. All applications submit through Grants.gov Workspace; organizations must complete SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations before applying.
Assistance Listing 45.312.
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, including through the creative and effective use of new and emerging technologies.
Eligibility
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for program eligibility criteria.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| fy27-oms-nlgm-NOFO.pdf | ||
| PKG00294117.pdf |
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