Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2026)

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program is a federally funded initiative administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), specifically through its Office of Museum Services. This program aims to strengthen the institutional capacity and professional workforce of African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It supports projects that enhance collections access, improve operational capabilities, and develop future museum professionals. The program operates under the authority of 20 U.S.C. § 9101 et seq. and 20 U.S.C. § 80r et seq., aligning with IMLS’s broader goals of advancing lifelong learning, fostering community engagement, and promoting access to museum and archival collections. The AAHC program prioritizes projects that focus on developing public programs, exhibitions, school programs, and strategic institutional planning. Other focus areas include improving collections care and expanding access to archival materials. Eligible projects also include internship, fellowship, and mentoring initiatives that contribute to the professional development of staff and volunteers at African American museums and HBCUs. The grant is intentionally designed to uplift institutions whose missions center on African American life, art, history, and culture, including periods such as slavery, Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, and the civil rights movement. Museums must have a professional staff, be educational or cultural in purpose, and regularly exhibit their collections to the public. Funding is available in two tiers: Small Projects ($5,000–$100,000) require no cost sharing, while Large Projects ($100,001–$500,000) must be matched at least 1:1 with non-federal funds. The total anticipated funding pool for this cycle is approximately $6,000,000, with around 35 awards expected. Projects may span one to three years, and grant recipients are expected to begin their work on September 1, 2026. The average past award amount has been around $171,429. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state, local, or tribal government units, museum service organizations, and HBCUs that meet all outlined institutional criteria. Museums embedded within larger organizations may apply independently if they have a segregated budget and operational autonomy. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 13, 2026. Required components include the SF-424S form, narrative, budget documents, organizational profile, performance measurement plan, and resumes of key staff. The application narrative is limited to seven pages and must address project justification, work plan, and anticipated results. A separate digital products plan is required if the project involves digital outputs. Pre-recorded webinars and guidance documents are available on the IMLS website to assist applicants. A minimum of $3,000 per year must be budgeted for travel to IMLS-designated meetings. The peer review process evaluates alignment with program goals, justification of need, clarity of project design, qualifications of personnel, and plans for sustainability and dissemination. Final decisions rest with the IMLS Director and are contingent on funding availability. Notification of award decisions is anticipated by August 2026. The NOFO explicitly encourages applications from underserved or rural institutions and those new to federal funding. Mark Isaksen is the primary program contact and can be reached via email or phone for consultations. The NOFO and supporting documentation, including required forms, are accessible through the official IMLS website.

Align with program goals and objectives; Justify the project's need clearly; Address sustainability; Budget $3,000/year for IMLS meetings; Follow narrative structure strictly.