arts · humanities · IMLS

Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2026)

Institute of Museum and Library Services · IGSM-FY26

Closed

Award Range

$5K – $75K

Total Program Funding

$3.0M

Expected Awards

Deadline

March 13, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2026). Institute of Museum and Library Services. 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 in project-based efforts to serve the public through educational programs and exhibits, community partnerships, and collections... $5,000-$75,000 per award; $3,000,000 total program funding; ~75 awards expected.

Who Should Apply

Other eligible entities

Who Should NOT Apply

Individuals and organizations outside the specified eligible types

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility information
•Cost sharing/matching required
•Deadline: 2026-03-13

💡 GrantQuick Tip

Budget for cost-sharing match. Demonstrate institutional commitment and matching funds clearly in your proposal.

Competitiveness: Moderate to high — federal grants are always competitive

What This Grant Funds

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 in project-based efforts to serve the public through educational programs and exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship activities.