The Museums for America (MFA) grant supports museums of all sizes in creating educational programs, exhibits, community partnerships, and managing their collections. It's a project-based grant aimed at enhancing public service through museums.
Who it's for: This grant is for museums of any size or discipline that are looking to fund projects related to educational programs, exhibits, community partnerships, or collections management.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to meet cost-sharing/matching requirements
- Incomplete application
- Non-museum entities
- Applications submitted after the deadline
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Proof of museum status
- Cost-sharing/matching plan
- Organizational financial statements
- Community partnership agreements (if applicable)
- Exhibit or program design plans
- Documentation of collections stewardship activities
Cautions
- Ensure cost-sharing/matching funds are secured
- Submit all required documents by the deadline
- Projects must align with the grant's focus areas
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include any museum, regardless of size or discipline, that is seeking funding for projects related to educational programs, exhibits, community partnerships, or collections management. The grant is unrestricted, meaning any museum that meets these criteria can apply.
Overview
This grant is for museums of any size or discipline that are looking to fund projects related to educational programs, exhibits, community partnerships, or collections management.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to meet cost-sharing/matching requirements
- Incomplete application
- Non-museum entities
- Applications submitted after the deadline
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for developing and implementing educational programs, creating exhibits, forming community partnerships, and managing museum collections.
Total Program Funding
$21,699,000
Expected Awards
122
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 1, 2026
- Deadline
- Nov 13, 2026(62 days)
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- Spring 2027
Application Checklist
- Verify museum eligibility
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Draft a comprehensive budget
- Secure cost-sharing/matching funds
- Gather financial statements
- Collect partnership agreements if applicable
- Design exhibit or program plans
- Compile documentation of collections activities
- Submit application by November 13, 2026