Opportunity Information: Apply for MFA FY27
Museums for America (MFA) (FY27) is a discretionary grant program from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that supports project-based work in museums of all sizes and across all disciplines. The program is designed to help museums serve the public in practical, mission-focused ways, with support commonly aimed at strengthening educational programming and exhibitions, building or deepening community partnerships, and improving the stewardship and care of collections. In short, MFA is oriented toward tangible projects that expand public benefit, improve museum services, and reinforce a museum's ability to preserve and interpret cultural, scientific, artistic, or historical resources for its community.
This opportunity is listed under the Arts and Humanities funding activity category and carries CFDA number 45.301. Funding is provided through a grant instrument. The opportunity is identified as "Museums for America (2027)" with the funding opportunity number "MFA FY27." The agency administering the program is IMLS, and applicants are expected to follow the eligibility and application requirements set out in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity, which is specifically referenced as the place to confirm who can apply and what project types are allowable.
Key logistics include an original application closing date of November 13, 2026. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $350,000. IMLS anticipates making approximately 122 awards under this competition, indicating a fairly broad national portfolio of funded projects, though competition can still be significant depending on demand and program priorities.
Overall, MFA is a fit for museums seeking support for clearly defined projects with public-facing outcomes, such as developing or enhancing exhibits and interpretive experiences, expanding educational offerings, partnering with community organizations to increase reach and relevance, and undertaking collections stewardship activities that protect and improve access to collections. For precise eligibility, cost rules, and any required cost share or matching components, applicants would need to consult the FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunity associated with this listing.Apply for MFA FY27
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services in the arts, humanities sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Museums for America (2027)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.301.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-09-01.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-11-13. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $350,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 122 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: Museums for America (MFA) (FY27) - IMLS
What is the Museums for America (MFA) (FY27) program?
Museums for America (MFA) (FY27) is a discretionary, project-based grant program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It supports museums of all sizes and across all disciplines in doing practical, mission-focused work that benefits the public.
Who administers the MFA FY27 grant opportunity?
The program is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
What is the official name and funding opportunity number for this grant?
The opportunity is identified as "Museums for America (2027)" and the funding opportunity number is "MFA FY27."
What type of funding instrument is used?
Funding is provided through a grant instrument.
What funding activity category does this opportunity fall under?
This opportunity is listed under the Arts and Humanities funding activity category.
What is the CFDA number for Museums for America (MFA) (FY27)?
The CFDA number associated with this opportunity is 45.301.
What kinds of museums can this program support?
The program supports project-based work in museums of all sizes and across all disciplines, as described in the opportunity summary. Exact eligibility rules should be confirmed in the official FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunity.
What types of projects does MFA typically fund?
MFA is oriented toward tangible projects that expand public benefit, improve museum services, and reinforce a museum's ability to preserve and interpret cultural, scientific, artistic, or historical resources for its community. Common areas of support include strengthening educational programming and exhibitions, building or deepening community partnerships, and improving stewardship and care of collections.
Is MFA meant for general operating support or specific projects?
Based on the program description provided, MFA is designed to support clearly defined, project-based work with practical, public-serving outcomes.
What are examples of public-facing outcomes that fit MFA?
Examples mentioned include developing or enhancing exhibits and interpretive experiences, expanding educational offerings, and partnering with community organizations to increase reach and relevance.
Does MFA support collections work?
Yes. The description notes support commonly aimed at improving the stewardship and care of collections, including activities that protect collections and improve access to them.
What is the application deadline for MFA FY27?
The original application closing date listed is November 13, 2026.
What is the maximum award amount for this competition?
The award ceiling (maximum award amount) is $350,000.
How many awards does IMLS expect to make under MFA FY27?
IMLS anticipates making approximately 122 awards under this competition.
Is this considered a competitive program?
The listing indicates a fairly broad national portfolio of funded projects (approximately 122 anticipated awards), but also notes that competition can still be significant depending on demand and program priorities.
Where should applicants confirm eligibility and allowable project types?
Applicants are expected to follow the eligibility and application requirements in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The NOFO is specifically referenced as the place to confirm who can apply and what project types are allowable.
Where can applicants find cost rules and any matching or cost share requirements?
For precise cost rules and any required cost share or matching components, applicants need to consult the FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunity associated with this listing.
What is MFA generally trying to help museums accomplish?
MFA is designed to help museums serve the public in practical, mission-focused ways by improving museum services and strengthening the museum's ability to preserve and interpret resources for its community.
Is MFA limited to a specific museum discipline (art, history, science, etc.)?
No. The program description states it supports museums across all disciplines.
What should a strong MFA project generally look like based on the description?
The description suggests MFA is a fit for museums seeking support for clearly defined projects with tangible outcomes, particularly those that improve educational and interpretive offerings, deepen community partnerships, or strengthen collections stewardship and access.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Arts, Humanities
Previous opportunity: OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Electronic Service Protection Order Court Pilot Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for MFA FY27
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (MFA FY27) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027) Apply for IGSM FY27 Funding Number: IGSM FY27 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2027) Apply for AAHC FY27 Funding Number: AAHC FY27 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Museums Empowered (2027) Apply for ME FY27 Funding Number: ME FY27 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts, Humanities Funding Amount: $350,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "MFA FY27", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.