Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2026)

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program supports the capacity of African American museums and the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums. The program supports projects that nurture museum professionals, build institutional capacity, and increase access to museum and archival collections at African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Key areas of focus include: • Preserving America’s history and making its museums the best in the world • Fostering appreciation for the country’s natural beauty, military victories, religious history, scientific accomplishments, regional narratives, and artistic traditions • Using new technologies to improve visitor experience, modernize curatorship, and improve the quality and resilience of collections • Refocusing cultural institutions on what unites Americans by fostering respectful civil dialogue Some potential projects that may be funded include: • Developing, enhancing, or expanding public programs, exhibitions, and/or school programs • Strengthening museum operations by developing new or improved strategic plans, management practices, or institutional policies • Improving care and conservation of museum collections and archives and expanding access to collections • Developing and implementing internship, fellowship, and mentoring programs to support people entering the museum field • Creating learning and growth opportunities designed to build the knowledge, skills, and abilities of museum staff and/or volunteers