Claire Kartoz
Claire Kartoz serves as a Managing Director of Grants & Federal Affairs, serving clients in the Nonprofit practice, including Museums and Libraries. Leveraging her experience with project and team management, Claire works with nonprofits to identify and pursue federal and foundation funding opportunities.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency that supports America’s museums, libraries, and archives, opened its FY2026 funding cycle.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) released six funding opportunities for museums and libraries nationwide. These federal grant programs provide funding for institutional capacity building, workforce development, and field-wide leadership.
*Applications for all programs are due March 13, 2026.*
Available IMLS Federal Grants:
Museums for America
The Museums for America (MFA) grant program supports project-based activities that strengthen a museum’s ability to serve the public, including exhibitions, education, collections care, digital initiatives, and professional development. With broad eligibility and many awards, MFA continues to be a promising funding stream for museums.
- Anticipated awards: 120
- Funding range: $5,000–$300,000 for up to 3 years
- Match: 1:1 non-federal cost share generally
National Leadership Grants for Museums
The National Leadership Grants for Museums (NLG-M) grant program funds projects that address critical needs in museum practice and advance the field through research, tools, models, and scalable approaches. This program is designed for projects with national relevance and applicability beyond a single institution
- Anticipated awards: 15
- Funding range: $50,000–$750,000 over 1 – 3 years
- Match: 1:1 non-federal cost share generally
National Leadership Grants for Libraries
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) grant program supports the development and dissemination of tools, services, and models that strengthen library and archival practice nationwide. Projects are expected to demonstrate broad applicability and benefit to the library field.
- Anticipated awards: 45
- Funding range: $25,000–$1,000,000 over 1 – 3 years
- Match: 1:1 match required for National Implementation Track projects over $249,999
Museum Grants for African American history Culture
The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) grant program supports institutional capacity building and professional development at African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Projects often focus on organizational sustainability, collections stewardship, and workforce development.
- Anticipated awards: 35
- Funding range: $5,000–$500,000 over 3 years
- Match: 1:1 match required for awards over $100K
Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture
The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) grant program supports the development and dissemination of tools, services, and models that strengthen library and archival practice nationwide. Projects are expected to demonstrate broad applicability and benefit to the library field.
- Anticipated awards: 16
- Funding range: $5,000–$500,000 over 3 years
- Match not required
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program invests in the education, training, recruitment, and retention of the library and archives workforce. The grant program supports a range of activities, from planning and community-based initiatives to large-scale national implementation and applied research.
- 16 Anticipated awards: 35
- Funding range: $25,000–$1,000,000 over 3 years
- Match not required
- Match: 1:1 match required for National Implementation Track projects over $249,999
Confirm Your Grant Eligibility
With the IMLS museum and library grant programs now open, prospective applicants should begin confirming eligibility, assessing project scope, and working to address all program requirements. Selecting the most appropriate program early can help organizations position themselves competitively.
Let McAllister & Quinn Help Create a Compelling, Competitive Application
Our personalized service and two decades of experience have helped our clients win over $18 billion in competitive grant awards. Let our winning edge with IMLS grants work to your advantage. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.