21st Century Museum Professionals Program (2027)
🏛 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions building career pathways and workforce education in the museum field. Museums, cultural organizations, and museum associations can apply. Projects must address professional development, training, or career advancement in the museum sector. Activities can include creating networks, developing curricula, or documenting best practices in museum workforce education.
Geographic scope is national. Cost-sharing is required as part of the project budget.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Cost-share commitment letters
Program contact
- 👤 Institute of Museum and Library Services
- 📧 imls-museumgrants@imls.gov
- 📞 202-653-4634
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 45.032 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$500,000
-
$499,655
-
$482,943
-
$449,601
-
$433,362
-
$429,901
-
$429,121
-
$424,582
-
$369,159
-
$347,662
Top States by Funding
- NC 2 awards $0.9M
- FL 2 awards $0.6M
- MA 2 awards $0.6M
- PR 2 awards $0.5M
- MT 1 awards $0.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 45.032). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $2,499,655 | |
| 2026 est. | $2,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Museums, museum associations, and cultural institutions focused on workforce development can apply. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity contains specific eligibility details.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $100,000 to $500,000. Total program funding is $2,000,000.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. Confirm the match percentage in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
What activities are eligible?
Projects building career pathways, strengthening professional networks, or documenting effective workforce training practices in museums are supported.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is November 13, 2026. Check the IMLS website for any updates closer to the deadline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity carefully. Eligibility rules and application requirements are detailed there.
- Demonstrate how your project builds sustainable career pathways in the museum sector.
- Show partnerships with museums, professional associations, or educational institutions to strengthen impact.
- Calculate your cost-share early. Confirm eligible match sources with the program officer.
- Address how your project will be shared with or benefit the broader museum professional community.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to address cost-sharing requirements clearly in the budget narrative. Proposing activities that don't directly build career pathways or workforce capacity. Submitting vague outcomes without measurable metrics for career or professional advancement.
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