IMLS Opens FY26 Grant Funding Cycle, Encourages Library and Museum Applications

News Releases | January 14, 2026

IMLS notice of funding opportunities are now open!

WASHINGTON, DC-To help kick off the celebration of America's 250th birthday, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is now accepting applications for its FY26 discretionary grant cycle. As the leading source of federal funding for American museums, libraries, and related institutions, IMLS funding opportunities play a crucial role in furthering the Trump administration's commitment to heritage preservation, workforce development, and civic education.

Institutions across the United States are encouraged to apply to the agency's programs by March 13, 2026. Program descriptions and available applicant resources are listed below.

Library Grant Programs:

• Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program - Supports the training and professional development of library and archives professionals to meet the information needs of their communities.

• National Leadership Grants for Libraries - Supports projects that develop, enhance, or disseminate replicable practices, programs, models, or tools to strengthen library and archival services for the American public.

• Native American Library Services: Basic Grants - Assists eligible Native Communities in establishing, sustaining, and improving library services and operations with their communities.

Museum Grant Programs:

• 21st Century Museum Professionals Program - Supports projects that offer professional development to the current museum workforce, train and recruit future professionals, and share effective workforce development practices.

• Inspire! Grants for Small Museums - Supports small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public. 

• Museum Grants for African American History and Culture - Builds the capacity of African American museums and supports the growth and development of their staffs. 

• Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture - Builds the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums to serve their communities and advance the growth and development of a professional workforce.

• Museums Empowered - Supports projects that use the transformative power of professional development and training to generate change within museums of all types and sizes. 

• Museums for America - Supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public. 

• National Leadership Grants for Museums - Supports projects that address critical needs of the museum field and that have the potential to advance the profession and strengthen museum services for the American public. 

• Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services - Supports Indian tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in sustaining heritage, culture, and knowledge. 

Applicant Resources:

To learn more about a program's requirements and recommendations, applicants should carefully review its landing page, linked above. Additional applicant resources include:

• Grant-Related Newsletters

• Applicant Counseling
  • Email a library specialist
  • Email a museum specialist