Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2026)

The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture is a competitive grant program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries and museums across the United States. This program is situated within the broader framework of the agency's Office of Museum Services and is specifically designed to support American Latino museums and cultural institutions. The grant aims to enhance the institutional capacity of these organizations, allowing them to better serve their communities and to contribute to the development of a robust and professional workforce in the American Latino museum sector. The overarching goals of this grant program are twofold: first, to build the capacity of American Latino museums to deliver community-centered services and programming; and second, to support professional development within the sector. Eligible applicants include museums with a mission focused on American Latino life, art, history, or culture, as well as museum service organizations, associations, and institutions of higher education. These entities must be located in the U.S. or its territories and may include nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and units of government. Applicants can request funding between $5,000 and $500,000 for projects lasting one to three years. The total amount of funding available under the FY26 cycle is expected to be $6 million, with approximately 16 awards anticipated. Notably, this grant program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, although applicants who choose to include voluntary cost share must fulfill those commitments if awarded. Allowable expenses include salaries, travel, equipment, materials, training, stipends, and evaluation costs. Unallowable costs include general fundraising, endowment contributions, construction or renovation, and promotional activities unrelated to the project. A complete application must include several required components such as a narrative (with project justification, work plan, and intended results), a budget and budget justification, schedule of completion, resumes of key personnel, and a performance measurement plan. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the ALHC-FY26 funding number by the deadline of March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Pre-application steps such as SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration are mandatory and may take several weeks to complete. While there is no LOI or concept paper stage, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult IMLS resources including webinars and program officer calls for guidance. Applications will be assessed through a peer review process using criteria focused on project justification, work plan clarity, capacity of personnel, and anticipated results. Projects should align with one of two program goals and associated objectives: (1) strengthening museums' capacity through programs, collections care, or operational improvements; or (2) advancing professional development via internships, fellowships, and learning opportunities. Notification of award decisions is expected in August 2026, with funded projects beginning as early as September 1, 2026. Mark Isaksen is the designated program contact and can be reached at [email protected] or 202-653-4667. Prospective applicants may schedule a consultation call to discuss their proposal ideas. While all applications are subject to the availability of funds and IMLS discretion, the agency encourages applications from underfunded, rural, and remote communities, especially those new to federal funding. This program forms part of IMLS’s effort to advance diversity, equity, access, and inclusion within the museum field by supporting organizations that reflect the histories and contributions of American Latino communities.

Align with program goals; define need with data; involve primary audiences; plan for sustainability; address evaluation criteria directly.