Skip to main content
Independent federal grant matching. Not affiliated with any government agency. Get free access and see which open grants fit your organization.
Open for applications

Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services · Opportunity number IGSM-FY27

View the official notice on Grants.gov
28 days left (deadline Nov 13, 2026)

Details summarized from the official notice as of Oct 16, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

Independent platform. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Data from public federal sources.

Key facts

Opportunity numberIGSM-FY27
AgencyInstitute of Museum and Library Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)45.301
PostedSep 1, 2026
DeadlineNov 13, 2026
Award ceiling$75,000
Award floor$5,000
Expected number of awards75
Estimated total program funding$3,000,000
Cost sharing or matching requiredYes
Funding typeGrant
CategoryArts
Last updated hereOct 16, 2026

Summary from the notice

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.

Who can apply

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

  • Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)

Not listed as eligible

  • Small businesses
  • Nonprofits
  • Colleges and universities
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Larger for-profit companies
  • Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility information.

Cost sharing: this notice requires cost sharing or matching funds. Check the notice for the required share and what counts toward it.

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

Similar open opportunities

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services · AAHC-FY27

Deadline: Nov 13, 2026 (28 days left) Up to: $500,000 Arts

Museums for America (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services · MFA-FY27

Deadline: Nov 13, 2026 (28 days left) Up to: $350,000 Arts

21st Century Museum Professionals Program (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services · 21MP-FY27

Deadline: Nov 13, 2026 (28 days left) Up to: $500,000 Arts

Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services · ALHC-FY27

Deadline: Nov 13, 2026 (28 days left) Up to: $500,000 Arts

Museums Empowered (2027)

Institute of Museum and Library Services · ME-FY27

Deadline: Nov 13, 2026 (28 days left) Up to: $350,000 Arts