Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027)
🏛 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for small museums of all disciplines seeking project funding. Eligible applicants include small rural museums, small remote institutions, and small museums new to federal funding. Museums can fund educational programs, exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship. Geographic scope is national, with no state restrictions.
The program builds museum capacity for public service. Projects must demonstrate community benefit through experiential learning or collections management. Small museums with limited prior federal funding are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must meet the IMLS definition of "small museum." See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for detailed eligibility requirements and definitions.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Evidence of nonprofit status
- Cost-sharing documentation
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
Program contact
- 👤 Institute of Museum and Library Services
- 📧 imls-museumgrants@imls.gov
- 📞 202-653-4634
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 45.301 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 45.301). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $29,889,568 | |
| 2025 | $15,295,932 | |
| 2026 est. | $28,730,000 |
FAQ
What size museums can apply?
Small museums of all types and disciplines are eligible. This includes rural, remote, and institutions new to federal funding.
What types of projects are funded?
The grant supports educational programs, exhibits, community partnerships, and collections care projects.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $5,000 to $75,000 per project.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, cost sharing is required. Check the Notice of Funding Opportunity for specific percentages.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is November 13, 2026. This is a fixed deadline with no rolling acceptance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your museum's small size and community roots. Highlight any prior lack of federal funding as an asset, not a barrier.
- Connect your project to experiential learning or collections stewardship. Show clear community benefit.
- Detail your cost-sharing plan early. Secured matches strengthen competitiveness significantly.
- Build partnerships with local schools, libraries, or community organizations. Multi-sector collaboration stands out.
- Start writing 2-3 months before the deadline. Small museum applications benefit from peer review and revision time.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate clear community benefit or public value. Underestimating the cost-sharing requirement or providing vague match commitments. Submitting generic educational content without evidence of local relevance or audience need.
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