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Grants / Arts

National Leadership Grants for Museums (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services

Deadline
November 13, 2026in 24 days
Award size
$50,000 to $750,000About 17 awards
Matching funds
RequiredYou must contribute some of the cost
Fit for small groups
Possible fit

In plain language

This grant helps museums and related organizations improve their services by creating new tools, practices, and collaborations. It supports projects that can be shared with others in the museum field. The grant can also help with using new technology in museums.

The money can pay for

  • Developing new tools for museums
  • Creating model practices for the museum field
  • Using new technology in museums
  • Collaborating with others in the museum field

Who can apply

Organizations that work in the museum field 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 may be a good fit for a small community nonprofit that works in the museum field, but it requires matching funds and may need more resources than a small group can provide.

Before you apply

  • Matching funds are required
  • Eligibility details are in the Notice of Funding Opportunity
  • The grant focuses on projects that can be shared with others in the museum field
  • 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 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.

Opportunity number
NLG-M-FY27
Posted
September 1, 2026
Total funding
$8 million
Eligible applicants
Others (see eligibility details)
Eligibility details
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for program eligibility criteria.
Assistance listing
45.312 National Leadership Grants
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.