Humanities for State governments Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies in creating engaging public humanities projects that make history, literature, and the arts accessible to diverse audiences.

The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (ALHC) program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports projects that strengthen the capacity of American Latino museums to serve their communities and advance professional development within the sector. The program funds initiatives that align with two key goals: building institutional capacity and advancing the professional museum workforce. Projects must align with at least one goal and one associated objective to address identified challenges and generate measurable results. Projects under the first goal, building the capacity of American Latino museums, may include public programs, exhibitions, educational resources, technology enhancements, community outreach, audience development, collections care, and institutional planning. The second goal, advancing the professional workforce, supports projects such as internships and fellowships for students, professional development programs for museum staff and volunteers, and convening experts to address challenges within the sector. Projects should provide measurable and meaningful results to advance knowledge, skills, and institutional capacity in serving audiences and preserving cultural heritage. For fiscal year 2025, IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $6,000,000, supporting an estimated 24 grants. Individual awards will range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a period of performance spanning one to three years, starting no earlier than July 1, 2025. Cost share is allowed but not required, and it will not influence application review. The application deadline is November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with awards expected to be announced by June 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Eligible applicants include museums primarily focused on American Latino life, art, history, or culture. This includes nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, state and local governments, and institutions of higher education, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Museums operating within parent organizations, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they operate as discrete units with their own budgets and authority. Museums must meet IMLS’s eligibility criteria, such as professional staffing, public exhibition schedules, and educational missions. Applicants must submit a complete application package, including the SF-424S form, project narrative, budget form, budget justification, performance measurement plan, and resumes of key personnel. The project narrative is limited to seven pages and must address three components: project justification, work plan, and intended results. Supporting documents, such as letters of commitment, collections plans, and outreach strategies, may be included to strengthen the proposal. Projects generating digital products must include a digital products plan that addresses availability, access, and sustainability. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process based on criteria such as alignment with program goals, the feasibility of the work plan, the qualifications of project personnel, and the potential for measurable results and sustained impact. Successful applicants will be required to comply with federal reporting requirements, including interim and final performance and financial reports. IMLS provides technical assistance, including webinars and program staff consultations, to help applicants prepare competitive proposals. Further details and resources are available on the IMLS website.

The National Leadership Grants for Museums program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supports projects that address significant and pressing needs within the museum sector, with the goal of advancing professional practice and strengthening museum services. The program funds innovative, impactful projects that can be scaled, adapted, or replicated to benefit museums broadly. The 2025 opportunity emphasizes projects that align with IMLS goals: lifelong learning, community engagement, and collections stewardship and access. Projects are expected to demonstrate collaboration, address challenges faced by the field, and generate models, tools, or research findings with wide applicability. The program supports two types of projects: non-research projects and research projects. Non-research projects focus on practical solutions, tools, or models to address critical needs in the museum sector, while research projects aim to investigate questions relevant to museum practice using rigorous data collection and analysis methods. Non-research projects require a one-to-one cost share, while research projects do not require cost sharing. Applicants must clearly articulate their project’s goals, work plans, and results to demonstrate impact and sustainability. IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $5,800,000 in total funding, with an estimated 15 grants to be awarded. Individual awards range from $50,000 to $750,000, with an average award size of $453,106. The period of performance spans one to three years, beginning no earlier than September 1, 2025. Applicants must submit proposals electronically via Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2025. Eligible applicants include museums, institutions of higher education, museum service organizations, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations that advance the museum profession. Museums must meet IMLS criteria, including professional staffing, regular public exhibitions, and an educational or cultural mission. Museums operating as discrete units within larger organizations may apply independently if they meet specific eligibility criteria, including budgetary and operational autonomy. Partnerships and collaborations are encouraged to maximize the scope and impact of proposed projects. Applications must include a project narrative addressing three key areas: project justification, work plan, and intended results. The narrative must describe the need or challenge being addressed, identify key activities and milestones, and outline the expected outcomes and plans for broad dissemination. Supporting documents, including budget forms, a performance measurement plan, resumes of key staff, and a data management and sharing plan for research projects, are also required. Applicants must ensure their project aligns with one of the program’s goals: advancing experiential and cross-disciplinary learning, addressing community needs through partnerships, or improving collections care and access. IMLS evaluates applications through a peer review process, considering factors such as the project’s alignment with program goals, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, and potential impact and sustainability. Successful projects will demonstrate the ability to create innovative tools, research findings, or practices that address field-wide challenges and improve museum services. Proposals must include plans for broad dissemination of results to ensure benefits extend beyond the participating institutions. Awardees are required to submit interim and final financial and performance reports and comply with all federal regulations and IMLS award conditions. IMLS provides additional resources, including webinars and technical assistance, to support applicants in developing competitive proposals. Further details about the program, including sample applications and contact information for program staff, are available on the IMLS website.

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides funding to support African American museums and institutions with a focus on enhancing institutional capacity and promoting the professional growth of museum professionals. The program is designed to increase access to museum and archival collections, strengthen museum operations, and develop museum leadership. Eligible projects should align with one of two program goals: building the capacity of African American museums to serve their communities or supporting the growth and development of museum professionals. The program supports two project categories: small projects with funding ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, which do not require cost sharing, and large projects ranging from $100,001 to $500,000, which require a one-to-one cost share. The anticipated period of performance is up to three years, starting no earlier than July 1, 2025. IMLS expects to award approximately $6,000,000 in total funding, supporting about 35 projects, with an average award size of $171,429. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Eligible applicants include African American museums, museum service organizations that support African American museums, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Museums must meet IMLS eligibility criteria, such as operating on a permanent basis, employing professional staff, and exhibiting collections to the public for at least 120 days annually. Museums located within larger institutions, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they function as discrete units with their own budgets. Partnerships and collaborations with other organizations are encouraged. Applicants are required to submit a complete application package, including a project narrative, a detailed budget with justification, a performance measurement plan, and supporting documentation. The project narrative must address three core areas: project justification, project work plan, and project results. The justification should identify the need or challenge being addressed, the primary audience, and the intended beneficiaries. The work plan should outline specific activities, responsible personnel, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies. The project results must describe expected outcomes, including how the project will achieve meaningful change and ensure long-term sustainability. Applications are evaluated through a peer review process based on the project's alignment with program goals, the feasibility and clarity of the work plan, the qualifications of key personnel, and the potential for measurable and sustained impact. For collections-related projects, improvements in access, care, or preservation of collections will also be assessed. Projects that demonstrate broad adaptability and shareable tools, models, or research findings will receive particular consideration. Award notifications are expected in June 2025. Successful applicants must submit interim and final financial and performance reports and comply with all federal regulations, including those related to cost principles and project administration. IMLS provides technical assistance, including webinars and program guidance, to help applicants develop competitive proposals. Further information, including examples of previously funded projects and application resources, can be accessed on the IMLS website.

The 21st Century Museum Professionals Program provides funding to support the professional development of the museum workforce and the recruitment and training of future museum professionals. The program is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and focuses on strengthening career pathways, professional networks, and inclusive recruitment strategies for individuals working in the museum sector. Projects are expected to address critical needs within the workforce, advance career development, and improve training opportunities across museums, associations, and related educational institutions. This program has two primary goals: supporting the professional development of the current museum workforce and recruiting and training future museum professionals. Projects must align with at least one goal and its associated objectives. Activities may include creating or enhancing training programs, developing evaluation strategies to identify best practices, adapting higher education programs, or offering internships, mentoring, and fellowships for underrepresented groups. Projects should be designed with measurable outcomes to ensure meaningful impact, such as improving skills, knowledge, or professional networks. The program will award up to eight grants with a total funding amount of two million dollars, with individual awards ranging from one hundred thousand to five hundred thousand dollars. The anticipated period of performance is July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Applicants must provide cost share or match funds equal to or greater than the amount requested. Applications are due electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 15, 2024. Eligible applicants include museums, institutions of higher education, museum associations, nonprofit organizations supporting museums, and tribal organizations that meet specific criteria. Museums applying must employ professional staff, operate for educational or cultural purposes, and exhibit objects to the public for at least 120 days per year. Institutions within parent organizations may apply independently if they operate as discrete units with separate budgets and authority. Partnerships and collaborations with other entities are encouraged to expand project reach and impact. Applications must include required documents such as the narrative, budget form, organizational profile, and a performance measurement plan. The narrative is limited to seven pages and must address project justification, work plan, and expected results. Additional documents, including resumes, letters of commitment, and supporting materials, may also be submitted. Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, the quality of the work plan, the experience of project personnel, and the potential impact of the results. The IMLS will use a peer review process to assess applications. Reviewers will evaluate proposals based on the project’s justification, the clarity and feasibility of the work plan, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful results. Successful applicants will be notified by June 2025, with projects starting no earlier than July 1, 2025. Reporting requirements include interim and final financial and performance reports submitted through the IMLS grants management system. Applicants are encouraged to contact IMLS program officers for guidance and to participate in webinars designed to assist with the application process. Additional resources, including sample applications and detailed instructions, are available on the IMLS website. All project activities and expenditures must comply with federal regulations and cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200.

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program provides funding to support Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations in sustaining their cultural heritage, knowledge, and museum services. Administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the program focuses on projects that build institutional capacity, preserve Indigenous languages and cultural practices, enhance collections stewardship, and strengthen professional development for museum staff. Funded projects may include educational programming, oral history documentation, conservation treatments, exhibition development, digitization initiatives, repatriation efforts, and professional training opportunities. For fiscal year 2025, IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $3,772,000 through this program, supporting about 20 projects. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $250,000, with an average award size of $150,000. Projects can span a period of one to three years, with a start date no earlier than **July 1, 2025**. While cost share is allowed, it is not required and will not be considered in the application review process. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of proposals submitted. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. Organizations applying as Native Hawaiian-serving nonprofits must provide documentation to confirm their nonprofit status and eligibility. Museums operating within larger institutions, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they function as discrete units with separate budgets and operations. Partnerships and collaborations with other institutions are encouraged to maximize project impact. Applicants must submit a complete application through Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Required components include a project narrative, budget form, budget justification, performance measurement plan, schedule of completion, and resumes of key personnel. The project narrative must address three main sections: project justification, work plan, and intended results. Applicants must clearly articulate the project’s goals, describe activities and timelines, and explain how project outcomes will benefit the target community or collections. Supporting documents, such as letters of commitment, conservation reports, or digital product plans, may also be included as applicable. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process, with reviewers assessing alignment with program goals, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, qualifications of project personnel, and the potential for achieving meaningful and measurable results. For projects involving collections, reviewers will consider the anticipated improvements to their care, access, or preservation. IMLS will notify successful applicants by June 2025. Post-award requirements include regular financial and performance reporting through the IMLS grants management system, eGMS Reach. Awardees must comply with all federal regulations regarding allowable costs, reporting, and project administration. For technical assistance, IMLS program staff are available to provide guidance, and informational webinars will be offered to support applicants. Additional resources, including sample applications and program information, can be accessed on the IMLS website.

The Museums for America (MFA) grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides funding to support strategic, project-based efforts that help museums of all types and sizes serve their communities. The program’s primary focus is on enhancing museums' abilities to provide public exhibitions, educational programs, professional development, audience engagement, and collections care. Through this funding opportunity, projects must align with the goals of lifelong learning, community engagement, or collections stewardship and access. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposed activities will advance their museum’s strategic goals and generate measurable outcomes for their audiences and communities. The total anticipated funding for the Museums for America program in fiscal year 2025 is approximately $21,699,000. IMLS expects to make around 122 awards, with grants ranging between $5,000 and $250,000. The average award size in previous years has been approximately $177,860. Projects must begin on or after September 1, 2025, and have a performance period of one to three years. A one-to-one cost share (matching funds) is required for all awards under this program, with the cost share contributed from non-federal sources. Eligible applicants include museums that are nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, or units of state or local government located in the United States, its territories, or freely associated states. Museums must operate on a permanent basis for educational, cultural, or aesthetic purposes, exhibit objects to the public regularly, and employ professional staff. Institutions operating as discrete units within parent organizations may apply independently if they meet specific eligibility criteria, including having their own budgets and operational authority. The application requires a project narrative that addresses three core components: project justification, project work plan, and project results. The narrative must explain the need or challenge the project addresses, the specific activities and resources required to implement the project, and the intended outcomes for audiences or collections. Supporting documents, such as resumes of key staff, a performance measurement plan, budget justifications, and optional letters of commitment or partnership, are also required. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 15, 2024. The peer review process evaluates applications based on alignment with MFA program goals, clarity of the work plan, qualifications of project staff, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful and lasting results. IMLS prioritizes projects that incorporate best practices, foster community collaboration, and promote access to collections or programs for underserved audiences. Applicants are encouraged to focus on sustainability, ensuring the benefits of their project will continue beyond the funding period. Award notifications are expected in August 2025, with detailed reviewer feedback provided to both successful and unsuccessful applicants. Post-award requirements include submitting interim and final financial and performance reports and adhering to federal regulations on cost principles and award administration. For technical assistance, IMLS program staff are available to answer questions and provide resources to help applicants develop competitive proposals.

The Museums Empowered grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports projects that utilize professional development and training to create systemic change within museums. This special initiative of the Museums for America program targets four key areas of museum operations: digital technology, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), evaluation, and organizational management. Projects must align with one of these goals and demonstrate how professional development activities will advance institutional capacity and address strategic challenges. IMLS expects to award approximately $4,299,000 in total funding for fiscal year 2025, supporting around 20 projects. Awards range from $5,000 to $250,000, with an average award size of $214,950. Applicants must provide at least a one-to-one cost share using non-federal funds, except for research-focused projects where matching funds are not required. The performance period for funded projects may span one to three years, starting no earlier than September 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Eligible applicants include museums located in the United States or its territories that meet IMLS’s criteria, such as employing professional staff, operating on a permanent basis for educational or cultural purposes, and regularly exhibiting objects to the public for at least 120 days annually. Museums operating within parent organizations, such as universities, must demonstrate operational independence, including a separate budget and decision-making authority. Collaborations and partnerships are encouraged to broaden project impact. The application requires a detailed narrative organized into three sections: project justification, work plan, and project results. Applicants must clearly identify the selected program goal and objective, describe the need or challenge addressed, outline specific activities, provide a timeline, and explain anticipated outcomes, including how the project will result in organizational growth or systemic change. Supporting documents such as a budget justification, performance measurement plan, resumes of key personnel, and letters of commitment from partners are also required. Applications are evaluated through a peer review process based on their alignment with program goals, the feasibility of the work plan, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful and sustainable results. Reviewers assess the clarity of the narrative, the qualifications of project personnel, and the proposed methods for tracking progress and measuring success. Projects are expected to foster long-term institutional improvements, with successful proposals demonstrating the ability to implement innovative and impactful professional development strategies. Awardees are required to comply with federal reporting requirements, including interim and final performance and financial reports submitted through IMLS’s electronic grants management system. Post-award responsibilities also include acknowledging IMLS funding in project materials and participating in assessments to evaluate program impact. IMLS program staff are available to provide technical assistance, and applicants are encouraged to participate in informational webinars to enhance proposal quality.

The Inspire! Grants for Small Museums program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supports project-based efforts aimed at helping small museums provide museum services to their communities. The program is a special initiative of the Museums for America program, designed specifically for small museums of all disciplines. Projects funded through this program should align with one of the following objectives: supporting lifelong learning through experiential and cross-disciplinary learning experiences, strengthening institutional capacity, or improving collections stewardship and access. Projects must be tied to a key component of the museum’s strategic plan and generate measurable results to address an identified need or challenge. For fiscal year 2025, IMLS anticipates awarding approximately $3,000,000 in funding across 75 grants. The grant program offers two levels of funding: small projects may request between $5,000 and $25,000, with no cost share required, while large projects may request between $25,001 and $75,000, requiring a one-to-one cost share from non-federal sources. Projects must begin on or after September 1, 2025, and can span a performance period of one to three years. Applications are due by November 15, 2024, and must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Eligible applicants include museums that are nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, or units of state or local government located in the United States or its territories. Museums must operate on a permanent basis, have educational or cultural purposes, exhibit objects to the public regularly, and employ professional staff. Museums located within larger parent organizations, such as universities or cultural centers, may apply independently if they operate as discrete units with their own budgets. Partnerships and collaborations with other entities are encouraged to enhance the project’s scope and impact. Applicants are required to submit a complete application, including a project narrative, budget form, budget justification, project schedule, performance measurement plan, strategic plan summary, and organizational profile. The project narrative, limited to five pages, must address three components: project justification, project work plan, and project results. Applicants must clearly identify the primary audience and beneficiaries, outline specific project activities, and explain how outcomes will be sustained after the project concludes. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of commitment, and conservation reports may also be submitted as applicable. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process based on the project’s alignment with program goals, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, qualifications of key personnel, and potential for meaningful and lasting results. The peer review criteria focus on the project’s justification, work plan, and intended outcomes, including the applicant’s ability to achieve and measure success. For collections-related projects, improvements in care, condition, or access to collections will also be evaluated. Award notifications are expected in August 2025. Successful applicants will be required to submit interim and final performance and financial reports through IMLS’s grants management system. The program encourages applicants to contact IMLS program officers for guidance during the application process and to participate in informational webinars. Further resources, including sample applications, can be accessed on the IMLS website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations for preserving, digitizing, and improving access to important humanities collections.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks applications for funding. OJP is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. With this solicitation, BJA seeks to increase access to treatment through the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program (RSAT) to individuals with substance use or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders during detention or incarceration and to improve continuity of care during and after reentry by delivering community-based treatment and other broad-based aftercare services. This program furthers the DOJs mission to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.

This grant provides funding for projects that use digital platforms to share and enhance public understanding of humanities topics, engaging both scholars and digital media professionals.

This funding opportunity supports cultural organizations in creating public humanities programs that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, focusing on historical significance and community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports educational and training projects for professionals at cultural institutions focused on preserving and providing access to humanities collections, such as archives, rare books, and audiovisual materials.

This grant provides funding to support projects that help communities, especially those disadvantaged, preserve their cultural heritage and resilience in response to climate change and COVID-19 through initiatives like collecting cultural resources and recording oral histories.

This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance the preservation and accessibility of humanities collections, particularly those addressing challenges like technological obsolescence and climate change impacts.

This funding program supports the operation of State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in the 50 states, 5 territories, 3 Freely Associated States, and District of Columbia within allowable program areas described in the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual. Where relevant, staff and projects must comply with the appropriate Secretary of the Interiors Standards.The purposes of this program are to provide matching grants to States for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties by such means as: survey, planning, technical assistance, physical preservation, Federal tax incentives available for historic properties, nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, distribution of funding to Certified Local Governments, and to assist Federal, State, and Local Government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private individuals in carrying out historic preservation activities. Awards under this program must comply with and support 54 U.S.C. 3001 et seq. (commonly known as the National Historic Preservation Act).

This grant provides funding for collaborative projects among archivists and institutions to improve the processing, preservation, and access to Congressional Records collections across the United States.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative efforts to strengthen the archival capacity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by enhancing their ability to preserve, access, and promote their unique collections.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to improve online access to historical records, particularly those that highlight the contributions and histories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as early legal documents related to the evolution of U.S. democracy.