Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2026)

The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (ALHC) program is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that supports libraries and museums across the United States through grants, research, and policy development. The ALHC program specifically supports projects that enhance the ability of American Latino museums and cultural institutions to serve their communities while also fostering the growth and development of the museum workforce. With a strong emphasis on preserving and promoting the diverse stories, traditions, and contributions of American Latinos, the program encourages proposals that align with IMLS’s mission to champion lifelong learning, strengthen community engagement, and advance collections stewardship and access. The ALHC grant is open to museums and related institutions whose primary focus is on American Latino life, art, history, or culture. Eligible applicants include museums, museum service organizations, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit or governmental agencies operating museums. Projects can range from developing public exhibitions and educational programming to strengthening internal museum operations, conservation efforts, or supporting internship and fellowship initiatives aimed at training the next generation of museum professionals. All projects must align with one of two core program goals: building institutional capacity to better serve communities or supporting the development of a skilled museum workforce. IMLS expects to award approximately $6,000,000 in total funding through this program, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $500,000. Projects may span one to three years, and there is no cost-sharing requirement. The application window closes on March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Projects funded in this cycle must begin on September 1, 2026. Anticipated notification of awards will be in August 2026. IMLS uses a peer review process to evaluate proposals based on how well they align with ALHC program goals, the strength of the work plan, and the clarity and sustainability of anticipated results. Applicants must submit a complete application package through Grants.gov, including forms such as the SF-424S, narrative, budget form and justification, key personnel resumes, and a performance measurement plan. Funding may be used for a wide variety of activities that directly support project goals, including staff salaries and training, program development, digitization, accessibility enhancements, collection care, and technology upgrades. Costs related to construction, general operating support, fundraising, and endowments are not eligible. Projects may include partnerships or collaborations, but the lead applicant must meet all eligibility criteria and will be legally responsible for managing the grant. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review recorded webinars, including guidance on preparing budgets and application narratives. They may also schedule a counseling call with the program contact, Mark Isaksen, Supervisory Grants Management Specialist at misaksen@imls.gov or 202-653-4667. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline, and late applications will not be considered. IMLS emphasizes that all awards are contingent upon the availability of federal funds. The program operates on an annual cycle, and applicants not funded in one round may reapply in the future.

Ensure project aligns clearly with one program goal and objective; Use reliable data to justify need; Define outcomes clearly; Provide realistic, well-sequenced work plan; Review webinars and contact IMLS for questions.