Institute of Museum and Library Sciences
The mission of IMLS is to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The agency carries out its charge as it adapts to meet the changing needs of our nation’s museums and libraries and their communities. IMLS’s mission is essential to helping these institutions navigate change and continue to improve their services through their strategic goals:
Champion Lifelong Learning: Museums, libraries, and archives are unparalleled sources of educational, information, health, job, and cultural resources. IMLS supports these institutions’ work to open themselves up to all community members and visitors, bridging the gaps of distance, resources, or experience.
Strengthen Community Engagement: Museums, libraries, and archives can connect community members to develop or enhance a collective sense of place where everyone can feel respected and included. IMLS enables these institutions and their partners to foster dialogue that addresses and incorporates diverse community needs and experiences.
Advance Collections Stewardship and Access: Museums and libraries are responsible for preserving, managing, and providing the broadest possible access to the cultural, artistic, historical, natural, and scientific collections entrusted to their care.
Demonstrate Excellence in Public Service: IMLS recognizes the importance of reflective practice and continual improvement in our commitment to the agency’s mission to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations.
IMLS Grant Programs
IMLS Grant Programs
Provides a listing, description, and link to each grant program offered.
Apply for a Grant
Apply for a Grant
Organizations and institutions that utilize third-party software to submit applications via Grants.gov may encounter old or outdated forms. IMLS cannot provide technical assistance for any issues applicants encounter with proprietary software. The final and correct versions of all IMLS application packages can be found on the Grants.gov portal directly.
The Application Process
1. Search for available grants
Grant programs and deadlines can be searched by name, by eligible institution type, and by project type.
2. Check eligibility requirements
Eligibility criteria will vary by program. Checking the program-specific criteria will help you ensure you're applying for the right grant for your institution. Read more.
3. Read application Notice of Funding Opportunities
Read through the application Notice of Funding Opportunities carefully to get all the information you need on the grant program. Read more.
4. Compose your application
Use the following Applicant Tools & Materials links to help you compose a stronger, more competitive application.
a. Sample Applications - Examples of successful applications from previous years
b. Outcome Based Evaluations - Introduction to and resources for successful program evaluation
c. Shaping Outcome - An IMLS-funded online course on outcomes-based planning and evaluation, which will help participants improve program designs and evaluations.
d. Grantee Requirements - Administration and dissemination requirements for all grantees
e. Reviewer Materials - Guidelines and handbooks used during application review
5. Contact an IMLS Staff Member
We welcome calls from applicants and are happy to answer any questions about the grant application and review process. Conversations with staff can provide useful guidance and help you to explore how your idea may match the goals of a grant program. To reach an IMLS staff member please click on a link below for the grant program in which you are interested.
6. Submit your application via Grants.gov
Consult our Grants.gov guidelines to ensure we will receive your application, complete and on-time. Read more.
7. What happens next?
Learn how applications are reviewed and when grant announcements are made. Read more.