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Grants / Arts

21st Century Museum Professionals Program (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services

Deadline
November 13, 2026in 24 days
Award size
$100,000 to $500,000About 8 awards
Matching funds
RequiredYou must contribute some of the cost
Fit for small groups
Possible fit

In plain language

The 21st Century Museum Professionals Program helps museums and related organizations improve training and career opportunities for staff. It supports projects that build networks and share best practices. This grant is for organizations working in the arts and humanities.

The money can pay for

  • Training programs for museum staff
  • Career pathway development
  • Sharing workforce education practices
  • Professional network building

Who can apply

Organizations that work in the arts and humanities fields may be eligible, but specific details are in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Possible fit. This grant is for museum professionals and may not directly apply to small community nonprofits that are not museums or closely related to museums.

Before you apply

  • Matching funds are required
  • Eligibility details are in the Notice of Funding Opportunity
  • Only 8 awards will be made
  • Federal applicants need an active registration at SAM.gov and a Grants.gov account. Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

This summary was written by GrantGather with AI, based on the official listing. It can contain mistakes. Check the official listing on Grants.gov before you apply.

From the official listing

The 21st Century Museum Professionals (21MP) grant program supports projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and identify and share effective workforce education and training practices in the museum field.

Opportunity number
21MP-FY27
Posted
September 1, 2026
Total funding
$2 million
Eligible applicants
Others (see eligibility details)
Eligibility details
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for program eligibility criteria.
Assistance listing
45.032 21st Century Museum Professional Program
Agency contact
Institute of Museum and Library Services
imls-museumgrants@imls.gov
202-653-4634
Open the official listing on Grants.govAgency’s full announcement

Nonprofits are eligible here through the “Others” category. Read the eligibility details carefully.