Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2027)
🏛 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) seeking to build institutional capacity and develop museum professionals. Museums must demonstrate commitment to African American history and culture through their collections and mission. The program supports projects that increase access to archival materials, enhance professional development, and strengthen organizational infrastructure.
Eligible recipients include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public institutions, and tribal organizations operating as museums. HBCU museums are specifically encouraged to apply. Applicants should have demonstrated experience serving their communities through museum and educational work.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program builds the capacity of African American museums and supports the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums. The program supports projects that nurture museum professionals, build institutional capacity, and increase access to museum and archival collections at African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
- Project narrative and scope
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Cost-sharing commitment letters
- Résumés of key project staff
Program contact
- 👤 Institute of Museum and Library Services
- 📧 imls-museumgrants@imls.gov
- 📞 202-653-4634
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 45.309 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$499,995
-
$498,789
-
$498,306
-
$488,750
-
$475,425
Top States by Funding
- TX 8 awards $2.6M
- FL 7 awards $2.1M
- MD 8 awards $2.0M
- NY 10 awards $2.0M
- VA 6 awards $1.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 45.309). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $6,221,520 | |
| 2025 | $6,240,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $6,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
African American museums and HBCU museums with 501(c)(3) status or institutional affiliation. Check the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete eligibility criteria.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects that build institutional capacity, develop museum professionals, and increase access to African American historical collections and archives.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
Yes, cost sharing is required. Check the NOFO for the specific matching percentage and allowable contribution types.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $5,000 to $500,000. Actual award amounts depend on project scope and organizational capacity.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is November 13, 2026. This is a fixed deadline with no extensions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to confirm your organization's eligibility and understand current priorities.
- Clearly articulate how your project builds capacity in specific areas like staffing, technology, or collection management.
- Demonstrate strong community partnerships and commitment to increasing public access to African American historical materials.
- Include concrete metrics showing how the project will benefit museum visitors, professionals, or collections management.
- Budget cost-sharing early. Secured in-kind or cash contributions strengthen your competitiveness.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirming HBCU or African American museum status in advance. Weak connection between project activities and capacity-building outcomes. Underestimating cost-sharing requirements or submitting insufficient documentation of matched funds.
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