After supporting many projects related to the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, the agency looks forward to building on the renewed appreciation for American history, culture, and innovation. To accomplish this goal, IMLS is investing in eligible institutions that serve communities of all sizes because America’s story is worth knowing, its history is worth preserving, and its communities are worth supporting. 

Museums, libraries, historical societies, and other cultural institutions preserve the stories of American communities by safeguarding the objects and knowledge that open the doors of discovery to every generation. 

To further this important work, IMLS is offering 13 funding opportunities to organizations across the United States to ensure America’s extraordinary cultural, historical, and natural heritage remains celebrated and accessible to the American people. 

Eligible institutions in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., U.S. territories, and freely associated states are encouraged to apply. Applications are due on November 13, 2026. To receive updates and reminders, subscribe to IMLS grant newsletters.   

Library Grant Programs: 

Libraries are among America’s great institutions of learning and civic life. They open doors to knowledge, preserve the written record of our civilization, and give Americans opportunities to learn, discover, and participate fully in their communities.  

• Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program invests in the professionals who keep America’s libraries and archives strong by equipping the next generation of librarians and the library workforce with the knowledge, skills, and training meet the needs of their communities and steward our nation’s intellectual heritage. 

• National Leadership Grants for Libraries support innovative ideas and proven model programs that enhance the quality of library and archive services nationwide, expand library users’ access to knowledge, and ensure that Americans have the tools they need to learn, discover, and thrive. 

• Native American Library Services: Basic Grants help Native communities build and sustain strong library services that preserve and share local knowledge and connect tribes with the resources they need. 

• Native American Library Services: Enhancement Grants support Native communities in strengthening library services that reflect their unique histories, knowledge, and traditions. 

• Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants strengthen Native Hawaiian organizations as centers of knowledge, learning, and community life. 

Museum Grant Programs: 

America’s museums and cultural institutions preserve the knowledge, achievements, relics, objects, works of art, and natural beauty that allow every generation of Americans to celebrate their history and understand the world around them. 

• 21st Century Museum Professionals Program invests in the professionals entrusted with America’s museums by building career pathways and developing the museum workforce to enable them to meet identified needs of their communities.  

• Inspire Grants for Small Museums support small museums of all disciplines, including small rural institutions and small museums that have not previously received federal funding, through project-based efforts to serve their communities through educational programs and exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship. 

• Museum Grants for African American History and Culture strengthen museums that share the history, achievements, experiences, and enduring contributions of African Americans to the American story. 

• Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture support the capacity of museums that share American Latino history and strengthen the institutions that connect these stories to communities across the nation. 

• Museums Empowered equips museum professionals with the knowledge and training to strengthen their institutions, cultivate excellence, and better serve the public. 

• Museums for America invests in museums of every size and discipline so they can preserve their collections, educate the public, strengthen their communities, and make America’s rich cultural heritage accessible to all. 

• National Leadership Grants for Museums support projects that address the most important challenges facing America’s museums, strengthen the museum profession, and ensure that museums remain trusted places of learning, stewardship, and public service. 

• Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services support Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in preserving and sharing their heritage, culture, knowledge, and traditions for generations to come.