Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2027)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is offering competitive grant funding to strengthen African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Grants support capacity‑building, professional development, collection care, and public programming. Up to 32 awards will be made, ranging from $5,000 to $500,000, with project periods of one to three years beginning August 1, 2027. Applicants must be U.S.‑based public or nonprofit entities that operate a museum focused on African American history, culture, or art, or an organization that directly supports such museums. • Funding pool: $6 million total; average award ~$187,500. • Eligible applicants: State, local, Tribal governments or private nonprofit museums/organizations serving African American audiences, plus HBCUs. • Project types: Small ($5‑100 k, no cost‑share) or Large ($100‑500 k, 1:1 cost‑share). • Required registrations: Active SAM.gov (UEI) and Grants.gov accounts. • Submission deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, 13 Nov 2026 via Grants.gov. • Anticipated award notice: July 2027; performance start: 1 Aug 2027. • Mandatory elements: Digital Products Plan, performance‑measurement plan, cost‑share documentation (for large projects). • No pre‑bid meetings or site visits required.