Museums remain forever-staying powerhouses in today's society, allowing audiences to experience new worlds of art, culture, and history. They act as vital hubs for community engagement, weaving together diverse narratives that reflect our shared human experience. By providing a space where individuals from different backgrounds can come together, museums help to bridge generational and cultural divides, fostering dialogue and understanding in an increasingly fragmented world.

The mission of museums extends beyond displaying artifacts; it encompasses actively promoting community identity and heritage. They serve as living repositories of collective memory, where the stories of past generations resonate with the present, encouraging new interpretations and conversations. In doing so, museums give a new language to these dialogues, inviting visitors to explore, question, and connect with the narratives that shape their identities.

The combination of written records and physical artifacts with oral traditions ensures that crucial information is preserved for future generations. This approach to history is especially important in our rapidly changing world, where the pace of life often outstrips our ability to reflect on our past. By documenting unique cultural nuances and local histories, museums become essential educational tools that help bridge gaps in understanding and appreciation among diverse populations.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has open grants that focus on enriching and empowering museums of all sizes, culture, and needs. The IMLS mission is to empower America’s museums and libraries through grantmaking, research, and policy development, adapting to the evolving needs of these institutions and their communities. It envisions a nation where everyone has access to the diverse information and stories held by museums and libraries. IMLS's strategic goals include championing lifelong learning, strengthening community engagement, advancing collections stewardship, and demonstrating excellence in public service.

USFCR is committed to supporting museums of all sizes and is highlighting opportunities IMLS has recently opened up.

IMLS Grant Opportunities

1. Inspire! Grants for Small Museums

Purpose: Supports small museums in enhancing public service through exhibitions, educational programs, and digital resources.

Funding: $3,000,000 total; 75 awards.
Individual Awards:
- Small Projects: $5,000 - $25,000 (Cost share is not required)
- Large Projects: $25,001 - $75,000 (At least 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources is required)
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Anticipated Award Notification: August 2025
Period of Performance: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2028

2. National Leadership Grants for Museums

Purpose: Addresses critical needs in the museum field and strengthens services for the public.

Funding: $5,800,000 total; 15 awards.
- Non-research: $50,000–$750,000 (At least 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources is required)
- Research: $50,000–$750,000 (No cost share required)
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Anticipated Award Notification: August 2025
Period of Performance: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2028

3. Museum Grants for African American History and Culture

Purpose: Enhances the capacity of African American museums and supports professional growth.

Funding: $6,000,000 total; 35 awards.
Individual Awards:
- Small Project: $5,000–$100,000 (No cost share required)
- Large Project: $100,001–$500,000 (At least 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources is required)
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Anticipated Award Notification: June 2025
Period of Performance: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028

4. Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture

Purpose: Supports the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums and workforce development.

Funding: $6,000,000 total; 24 awards.
Individual Awards: $5,000 - $500,000 (No cost share required)
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Anticipated Award Notification: June 2025
Period of Performance: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028

5. Museums Empowered

Purpose: Leverages professional development to drive systemic change in museums.

Funding: $4,299,000 total; 20 awards.
Individual Awards: $5,000 - $250,000 (At least 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources is required)
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Anticipated Award Notification: August 2025
Period of Performance: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2028

6. Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services

Purpose: Supports Indian Tribes and organizations in sustaining their heritage and culture.

Funding: $3,772,000 total; 20 awards.
Individual Awards: $5,000 - $250,000 (Cost share is allowed but not required for this program and is not considered in the review of this application)
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Anticipated Award Notification: June 2025
Period of Performance: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028

7. Museums for America

Purpose: Supports museums in strategic projects to enhance public service through exhibitions, educational programs, and collections management.

Funding: $21,699,000 total; 122 awards.
Individual Awards: $5,000 - $250,000 (At least 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources is required)
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Anticipated Award Notification: August 2025
Period of Performance: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2028

Looking for Grants?

If you would like assistance regarding these opportunities, finding other grants that fit your organization’s needs, or any additional services, please contact USFCR’s Grant Writing Team at (877) 252-2700 and complete the grant assessment below. We look forward to working with you!