Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2026)

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (NANH) program is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries and museums across the United States. With an anticipated $3,772,000 in funding available for FY 2026, the NANH program specifically targets the unique needs of Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. The program aims to support efforts to sustain and celebrate heritage, culture, and knowledge within these communities, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 over a project period of up to three years. Awards are anticipated to be announced in August 2026, and projects must begin by September 1, 2026. The overarching goal of the NANH program is to build the institutional capacity of eligible entities to offer effective museum services to their communities. This includes strengthening the preservation and perpetuation of Indigenous languages and cultural practices, advancing the professional development of museum workers, and improving the care and management of collections. Funded projects may encompass educational programming for diverse age groups, workforce development through training and mentorship, community outreach initiatives, and stewardship of cultural collections through digitization, conservation, repatriation research, and more. Applicants must be either a Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or a nonprofit organization that primarily serves and represents Native Hawaiians, as outlined in the Native Hawaiian Education Act. Federally operated libraries and museums are ineligible to apply but may participate as nonessential project partners. Institutions may submit multiple applications for distinct projects. Notably, the program does not require cost share or matching funds, although such contributions are allowed and must be documented if included. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 13, 2026. A complete application must include several mandatory documents: SF-424S form, IMLS Museum Program Information Form, Organizational Profile, Project Narrative, Schedule of Completion, Budget Form and Justification, Resumes of Key Personnel, and a Performance Measurement Plan. Conditionally required documents may include proof of nonprofit status and eligibility, indirect cost agreements, and a Digital Products Plan, depending on the nature of the project. Supporting documents like letters of commitment and conservation assessments are encouraged to strengthen proposals. Review and selection are conducted through a peer review process, with evaluation criteria focused on project justification, work plan clarity, and anticipated results. Reviewers assess how well the proposal aligns with the NANH program goal and chosen objective, the logical sequence and feasibility of activities, and the sustainability and accessibility of project outcomes. Applications must clearly define their primary audience, expected changes in knowledge or behavior, and methods for performance tracking. Additional weight is given to proposals that demonstrate community engagement and readiness for implementation. Program-related questions should be directed to Sarah Glass, Senior Museum Program Officer, who can be reached at sglass@imls.gov or 202-653-4668. Interested applicants are encouraged to schedule a call with her and to view relevant webinars on getting started with IMLS grants and preparing budgets. The NANH program operates under federal authority (20 U.S.C. § 9101 et seq.) and adheres to all applicable federal regulations. The next anticipated deadline, assuming the program remains annual, is expected in March 2027.

Clearly identify and align with one NANH objective; define primary audience and intended impact; detail sustainability and accessibility of results.