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Grants / Arts

Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services

Deadline
November 13, 2026in 24 days
Award size
$5,000 to $75,000About 75 awards
Matching funds
RequiredYou must contribute some of the cost
Fit for small groups
Good fit for small groups

In plain language

This grant helps small museums pay for projects that teach people and care for museum collections. It is meant for small museums that have not gotten federal money before.

The money can pay for

  • Educational programs
  • Exhibits
  • Community partnerships
  • Collections stewardship

Who can apply

Small museums of all disciplines, including rural or remote museums, may apply if they meet the eligibility rules.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Good fit for small groups. This grant is meant for small museums, which are similar to some small community nonprofits in size and mission.

Before you apply

  • Matching funds are required
  • Eligibility details are in the Notice of Funding Opportunity
  • Application deadline is November 13, 2026
  • 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

Inspire Grants for Small Museums (Inspire) is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program designed to support small museums of all disciplines, including small rural or small remote institutions and small museums that have not previously received federal funding. The program funds project-based efforts to serve the public through educational programs and exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship activities. The goal of the Inspire program is to build the capacity of small museums to provide museum services to their communities through supporting the development of experiential learning and discovery in small museums, and the management and care of collections in small museums.

Opportunity number
IGSM-FY27
Posted
September 1, 2026
Total funding
$3 million
Eligible applicants
Others (see eligibility details)
Eligibility details
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility information.
Assistance listing
45.301 Museums for America
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.