Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC-FY26) provide federal funding to strengthen African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by building institutional capacity, supporting professional development, and increasing access to museum and archival collections.

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC-FY26) — $5,000 to $500,000 per award to expand institutional capacity, nurture museum professionals, and improve access to collections.

Funding Opportunity Number: AAHC-FY26

Agency: U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

Assistance Listing: 45.309 — Museum Grants for African American History and Culture

Funding Instrument: Grant

Funding Type: Discretionary

Category: Arts, Humanities

Award Range: $5,000 – $500,000

Total Program Funding: $6,000,000

Expected Awards: Approximately 35

Cost Sharing/Matching: Yes

Posted: January 13, 2026

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC-FY26) program supports projects that build the capacity of African American museums and foster the growth and development of museum professionals. The program also increases access to museum and archival collections at African American museums and at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), helping preserve and expand access to significant cultural resources.

Purpose and Use:

Funded projects may support:

  • Professional development and training for museum staff and emerging professionals
  • Institutional capacity building and strategic growth initiatives
  • Preservation, care, and improved access to museum and archival collections
  • Public programming and community engagement efforts that expand access to African American history and culture

Projects should demonstrate clear institutional impact and contribute to long-term sustainability and professional advancement within African American cultural institutions.

Eligibility:

Eligible applicants must meet the criteria outlined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the AAHC program. Applicants should consult the NOFO for complete eligibility requirements and definitions.

Geographic Requirement:

Projects must serve eligible institutions and communities within the United States.

Additional Notes:

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity, including detailed application instructions and matching requirements, is available through IMLS and Grants.gov. Version history is maintained on Grants.gov.

Grantor Contact:

IMLS Office of Museum Services
imls-museumgrants@imls.gov

Additional Information:

Program webpage: Institute of Museum and Library Services — Museum Grants for African American History and Culture
https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/museum-grants-for-african-american-history-and-culture

Tyler Sear

Tyler Sear is a project manager, strategist, and creative technologist working at the intersection of structure and rebellion. A PMP-certified execution architect with a background in data analytics and front-end development, he blends systems thinking with artistic intent — building frameworks that run clean, look sharp, and leave room for chaos.