National Leadership Grants for Museums (2026)

The National Leadership Grants for Museums program invests in projects that address critical needs of the museum field. The program has three goals: to advance museum-based learning and engagement practices, to advance the museum field's ability to respond to community needs, and to identify new solutions that address high-priority and widespread collections care or conservation issues. Eligible applicants include museums, museum service organizations, and affiliated nonprofits. The program requires a 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources for non-research projects. • The program supports the development of model programs, research, and forums that convene experts and stakeholders. • The program supports the development of new tools and services that facilitate access, management, preservation, sharing, and use of museum collections. • The program supports research focusing on the role of museums in engaging learners and responding to community needs. • The program supports the development of digital products, including software, and requires a Digital Products Plan that addresses type, availability, access, and sustainability. • The program requires a Public Access Plan for research projects that describes how the applicant will provide public access to peer-reviewed scholarly publications and permissible scientific research data.