Museums Empowered (2026)

The Museums Empowered grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is a targeted initiative under the broader Museums for America program. It aims to foster organizational improvement and capacity building across the museum sector through focused professional development. The program supports projects that build staff skills in one of three areas: digital technology integration, program evaluation, or organizational management. By funding projects that strengthen the internal capacity of museums, IMLS seeks to promote long-term sustainability, innovation, and community service impact. The Museums Empowered program is tailored for museums of all types and sizes within the United States and eligible U.S. territories. Applicants must be either a museum or a parent organization responsible for operating a qualifying museum. Qualifying museums include institutions with professional staff that are organized on a permanent basis for educational, cultural heritage, or aesthetic purposes and that exhibit tangible objects or collections to the general public for at least 120 days annually. Museums within larger entities, such as universities or government departments, must demonstrate operational independence and a distinct budget to apply on their own behalf. The grant awards range from $5,000 to $300,000, with an anticipated total funding pool of approximately $4.3 million and around 20 awards expected. All awards require a 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources, which can include cash, in-kind contributions, or donated services. The performance period for funded projects is between one and three years, with projects required to start on September 1, 2026. Eligible expenses include personnel, training, materials, equipment, program evaluation, and participant support costs. Certain costs such as general fundraising, construction, and acquisition of collections are unallowable. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 13, 2026. A complete application must include required documents such as the SF-424S form, project narrative, budget form and justification, performance measurement plan, and key staff resumes. Optional supporting documents like needs assessments and letters of commitment can strengthen the proposal. Applicants must also have active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Evaluation of applications follows a peer review process that considers alignment with program goals, project design and feasibility, and potential for impact. Reviewers assess justification of need, organizational readiness, staff qualifications, and sustainability of the proposed efforts. Four performance measures guide project outcomes: effectiveness, efficiency, quality, and timeliness. Award notifications are expected in August 2026. For more information or assistance, applicants may contact Mark Isaksen, Supervisory Grants Management Specialist, at misaksen@imls.gov or 202-653-4667. Additional webinars and application preparation resources are available through the IMLS website. This grant program is recurring and expected to be offered annually, with future deadlines likely in March based on the current schedule. While there is no pre-application requirement, applicants are encouraged to schedule counseling calls with program officers and review IMLS’s webinars on grant preparation and budgeting. The Museums Empowered initiative represents a strategic investment in the professionalization and modernization of museum staff and operations, fostering stronger institutions and more impactful public service nationwide.

Clearly align with one of the program’s goals and objectives; develop a sound evaluation plan; ensure cost share is accurately reflected and documented.