OpenFederal grantNLG-M-FY27

National Leadership Grants for Museums (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library ServicesCloses Nov 13, 2026(31 days left)$50,000 – $750,000

Does this fit your business?

This is a federal program for museums and museum-serving organizations whose projects can change practice across the whole museum field, not just one institution. If you run a for-profit business, including a small business or sole proprietorship, do not apply; eligibility is limited to nonprofits, governments, tribes, and higher education, and cost sharing is required.

Best for
Museums with projects that can be replicated by other museums, Nonprofits working with or for the museum field, Tribal cultural institutions, Universities partnering on museum research or technology projects
Not for
For-profit businesses of any size, Organizations without cost-sharing funds, Projects that only benefit one institution
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Arts & CultureMatches your industry (creative, museum)
78
Strong Match
Education & TrainingCurrently accepting applications
66
Good Match
Social Services & NonprofitCurrently accepting applications
58
Good Match
Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation
54
Possible Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Finance & BankingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Food & BeverageLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
ManufacturingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Model practices, Research, Technical assistance, Planning, Capital projects, Technology
Who can apply
Nonprofits, State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, Colleges and universities
Award range
$50,000 – $750,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is November 13, 2026.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
Awards range from $50,000 to $750,000. The program expects to make about 17 awards from a total of $8,000,000, and cost sharing is required.
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, government entities, tribes, and higher education institutions may apply. The eligibility text points to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the full criteria, and the program typically funds museums, library agencies, nonprofits, and tribes.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
No. For-profit businesses, including small businesses, may not apply, so a sole proprietor or single-member LLC is not eligible.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits are among the applicant types that may apply.

Summary

IMLS National Leadership Grants for Museums fund projects that advance museum practice nationwide through model practices, tools, research, collaborations, and use of emerging technologies. Eligibility is defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity; typically museums, library agencies, nonprofits, and tribes. Cost sharing required.

About this grant

The National Leadership Grants for Museums program (NLG-M) invests in projects that address critical needs of the museum field. NLG-M projects have the potential to advance practice in the profession to strengthen museum services for the public through the development and replication of model practices, tools, research findings, and collaborations, including through the creative and effective use of new and emerging technologies.

Who can apply

Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.

See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for program eligibility criteria.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Arts
  • Museums
  • Education
  • Community development

Program contact

Institute of Museum and Library Servicesimls-museumgrants@imls.gov202-653-4634

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