Museums for America (2026)

The Museums for America (MFA) grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is a federally funded initiative designed to enhance the capacity of museums across the United States. The program supports museums of various types and sizes through project-based funding that helps them serve their communities through educational programming, exhibitions, collections stewardship, and public engagement. In FY2026, the MFA program is especially aligned with national initiatives commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, encouraging projects that promote historical preservation, civic dialogue, and innovative use of technology. The total anticipated funding available for FY2026 is approximately $21.7 million, with an expected 122 awards ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 each, based on project scope and quality. The purpose of the MFA program is to advance a museum’s ability to support lifelong learning, strengthen community engagement, and improve collections stewardship and access. Applicants must align their proposed projects with one of these three program goals and its associated objectives. For example, museums might seek funding for public educational programs, community-centered exhibitions, partnerships that meet specific local needs, or conservation and digitization of collections. Projects can span from one to three years and must begin on September 1, 2026. The program encourages collaboration, including partnerships among institutions, as long as one entity serves as the lead applicant and meets all eligibility criteria. Eligibility for this grant is limited to museums and related nonprofit or government entities operating qualifying museums within the United States or its territories. Museums must be organized on a permanent basis, employ professional staff, care for tangible objects, and exhibit these to the public for at least 120 days per year. Museums embedded within larger organizations (e.g., universities or cultural centers) may apply independently if they function as discrete units with separate budgets and authority. Nonprofit organizations affiliated with museums may also apply, provided they submit documentation detailing their support roles and have binding agreements with the associated museum. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 13, 2026. Required registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov must be active prior to submission. The application package must include several documents, such as a narrative (max 7 pages), performance measurement plan, budget form and justification, resumes of key staff, schedule of completion, and a digital products plan if applicable. Applications lacking any required or conditionally required documentation may be rejected without review. A cost share from non-federal sources equal to or greater than the amount of the federal request is mandatory. Review of proposals involves a peer review process, with evaluators assessing applications based on project justification, work plan, and anticipated results. Reviewers consider alignment with MFA goals, the clarity of need, appropriateness of methodology, qualifications of personnel, and sustainability of outcomes. The Director of IMLS makes final funding decisions informed by reviewer feedback. Award notifications are expected by August 2026, with project periods beginning September 1, 2026 and extending up to three years. Funded projects are subject to standard federal compliance requirements and IMLS-specific terms, including regular reporting through the eGMS Reach portal. Awardees must acknowledge IMLS support in all products and publications and adhere to federal rules regarding indirect costs, performance measurement, and access to digital assets. IMLS may publish summaries and performance data from awarded projects and reserves the right to audit recipients for compliance.

Align with MFA goals and objectives; clearly define audience and need; ensure proposed activities and staffing are appropriate and sustainable.