National Leadership Grants for Museums (2027)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is offering up to 17 National Leadership Grants for Museums for fiscal year 2027. Grants range from $50,000 to $750,000 and support projects that advance museum learning, community engagement, and collections stewardship, especially through innovative practices and emerging technologies such as AI. Eligible applicants include U.S. museums, museum‑related nonprofit organizations, and higher‑education institutions that meet specific staff and exhibition criteria. Projects must begin September 1 2027 and can run for one to three years. Applications are submitted electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 13 2026. The program emphasizes cost‑share (1:1) and requires a detailed digital products plan, public‑access plan (for research), and compliance with federal award regulations. • Funding pool: $8 million total; ~17 awards expected. • Award size: $50 k – $750 k per project. • Eligible entities: U.S. museums (any type), museum service organizations, nonprofit museums, and eligible higher‑education institutions. • Project types: Non‑research (model development, tools, services) and Research (studies, data). • Required cost‑share: at least 1:1 non‑federal contribution. • Key dates: Open Sep 1 2026, deadline Nov 13 2026, award notification Aug 2027, performance Sep 1 2027‑Aug 31 2030.