The Museums for America (MFA) grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides funding to support strategic, project-based efforts that help museums of all types and sizes serve their communities. The program’s primary focus is on enhancing museums' abilities to provide public exhibitions, educational programs, professional development, audience engagement, and collections care. Through this funding opportunity, projects must align with the goals of lifelong learning, community engagement, or collections stewardship and access. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposed activities will advance their museum’s strategic goals and generate measurable outcomes for their audiences and communities.

The total anticipated funding for the Museums for America program in fiscal year 2025 is approximately $21,699,000. IMLS expects to make around 122 awards, with grants ranging between $5,000 and $250,000. The average award size in previous years has been approximately $177,860. Projects must begin on or after September 1, 2025, and have a performance period of one to three years. A one-to-one cost share (matching funds) is required for all awards under this program, with the cost share contributed from non-federal sources.

Eligible applicants include museums that are nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, or units of state or local government located in the United States, its territories, or freely associated states. Museums must operate on a permanent basis for educational, cultural, or aesthetic purposes, exhibit objects to the public regularly, and employ professional staff. Institutions operating as discrete units within parent organizations may apply independently if they meet specific eligibility criteria, including having their own budgets and operational authority.

The application requires a project narrative that addresses three core components: project justification, project work plan, and project results. The narrative must explain the need or challenge the project addresses, the specific activities and resources required to implement the project, and the intended outcomes for audiences or collections. Supporting documents, such as resumes of key staff, a performance measurement plan, budget justifications, and optional letters of commitment or partnership, are also required. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 15, 2024.

The peer review process evaluates applications based on alignment with MFA program goals, clarity of the work plan, qualifications of project staff, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful and lasting results. IMLS prioritizes projects that incorporate best practices, foster community collaboration, and promote access to collections or programs for underserved audiences. Applicants are encouraged to focus on sustainability, ensuring the benefits of their project will continue beyond the funding period.

Award notifications are expected in August 2025, with detailed reviewer feedback provided to both successful and unsuccessful applicants. Post-award requirements include submitting interim and final financial and performance reports and adhering to federal regulations on cost principles and award administration. For technical assistance, IMLS program staff are available to answer questions and provide resources to help applicants develop competitive proposals.