§ Federal grant opportunity · IGSM-FY27
Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027)
Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting applications for Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027). The deadline is November 13, 2026 and the published award range is $5K – $75K.
Key facts
- Funder
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Application deadline
- November 13, 2026
- Award range
- $5K – $75K
- Eligibility
- other
- Geography
- United States
- Focus areas
- Arts, Humanities
- Opportunity number
- IGSM-FY27
Program overview
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.
How to apply
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
- Read the full funding opportunity announcement from Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
- Submit before November 13, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.
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