Opportunity
Simpler Grants.gov #21MP-FY27
Grant for Museum Workforce Development and Education Projects
Buyer
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Posted
September 01, 2026
Respond By
November 13, 2026
Identifier
21MP-FY27
NAICS
611430
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Office of Museum Services is offering the 21st Century Museum Professionals Program grant to advance workforce development in the museum sector. - Government Buyer: - Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) - Office of Museum Services (OMS) - Opportunity Details: - Grant program supports projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and share effective workforce education and training practices - Focus on professional development, recruitment, alternative credentialing, and AI education for museum professionals - Prioritizes upskilling early-career professionals and providing opportunities for non-traditional applicants - Encourages participation from institutions serving rural and remote communities, and those not traditionally receiving federal funding - Funding Information: - Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 per project - Total funding pool: $2,000,000 - Up to 8 awards anticipated - Notable Requirements: - Projects should align with executive orders related to federal architecture, American history, AI education, and civil society - Cost sharing or matching required - No specific OEMs or vendors; this is a grant for programmatic and service-based projects
Description
The 21st Century Museum Professionals (21MP) grant program supports projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and identify and share effective workforce education and training practices in the museum field. The program prioritizes projects that provide alternative pathways to upskill early-career professionals and opportunities for non-traditional applicants to enter the museum workforce and be credentialed. It encourages projects that explore intersections of alternative credentialing and AI education, especially in areas with shortages of qualified workers. The program also welcomes institutions serving rural and remote communities and those not traditionally recipients of federal funding.