The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has released its slate of Fiscal Year 2026 grant opportunities, offering critical federal funding to strengthen libraries, museums, and cultural institutions nationwide. These programs support capacity building, workforce development, community engagement, preservation, and leadership across institutions of all sizes, including small, rural, and tribal-serving organizations.
Below is an overview of the IMLS FY 2026 grant programs currently available through Grants.gov, with direct links to each funding opportunity.
📚 Library-Focused Grant Programs
- Native American Library Services Basic Grant (FY 2026)
This program provides noncompetitive, foundational funding to eligible Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages to support core library services, collections, and operations.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361141
- National Leadership Grants for Libraries (FY 2026)
Supports projects that advance library services nationwide through innovation, research, and scalable models. Ideal for projects with regional or national impact.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361140
- Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (FY 2026)
Focuses on education, training, and professional development for current and future library professionals, with an emphasis on leadership and workforce sustainability.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361139
🏛️ Museum-Focused Grant Programs
- Museums for America (FY 2026)
IMLS’s flagship museum grant program, supporting projects that strengthen institutional capacity, enhance learning experiences, and improve collections stewardship.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361142
- Inspire! Grants for Small Museums (FY 2026)
Designed specifically for small museums, this program funds projects in lifelong learning, institutional capacity, and collections care.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361145
- Museums Empowered (FY 2026)
Supports professional development and leadership training for museum staff, fostering stronger, more resilient museum workforces.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361149
- National Leadership Grants for Museums (FY 2026)
Funds high-impact projects that address critical challenges facing the museum field and generate models that can be replicated nationally.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361147
🌎 Culturally Specific & Community-Centered Museum Programs
- Native American / Native Hawaiian Museum Services (FY 2026)
Provides funding to support tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations in sustaining, strengthening, and advancing culturally specific museum services.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361148
- Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (FY 2026)
Supports the preservation and interpretation of African American history, life, art, and culture through museum-based projects.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361144
- Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (FY 2026)
Funds projects that enhance the representation and understanding of Latino history and culture within the nation’s museums.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361146
🎓 Workforce & Professional Development
- 21st Century Museum Professionals Program (FY 2026)
Invests in professional growth, leadership development, and skills-building initiatives for museum professionals at all career stages.
🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361143
