Grant Opportunities

National Grants

(listed alphabetically by granting agency)

Costume Society of America

CSA Angels Project

The CSA Angels Project supports a deserving collection located in or near the host city of the current year's CSA National Symposium. The site is selected by the Angels Project leadership team, who work with the collection’s staff to create a plan for a one-day, intensive project for the collection's most pressing needs. Supplies are donated by businesses and the museum industry, and the CSA Endowment purchases small equipment and supplies worth up to $2500.
For more information: https://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/csa-angels-project/

CSA Small Museums Collection Care Grant

The CSA Small Museums Collection Care Grant program is designed to assist the costume and textiles collections of small museums that have very limited budget and staff. Funding may be used to support the care, conservation, and/or exhibition of costume and textiles that have historic, regional, or other significance and are intended for preservation.
For more information: https://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/csa-small-museum-collection-care-grant/

College and University Collection Care Grant

The College and University Collection Care Grant program is designed to assist the costume and textiles collection of a college or university that receives little or no financial support from its institution.
For more information: https://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/college-and-university-collection-care-grant/

Council on Library and Information Resources

The Digitizing Hidden Collections: Amplifying Unheard Voices is a grant competition administered by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) for digitizing rare and unique content stewarded by collecting organizations in the US and Canada. This program's goal is to support efforts to digitize materials that deepen the public understanding of the histories of underrecognized and unrecognized people.
For more information: https://www.clir.org/hiddencollections/

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

Collections Assessment for Preservation Program

The CAP program is a joint effort of the IMLS and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation to help small and mid-sized museums better care for their collections. A CAP assessment is a study of an institution’s collections, buildings, and building systems, as well as its collections care policies and procedures. The assessment involves a site visit by collections and building assessors, who spend two days touring the museum and interviewing staff and governing officials. The assessors then prepare a comprehensive report that outlines recommendations for improving collections care.
For more information: https://www.culturalheritage.org/resources/collection-care/cap/

Museums for America

The Museums for America program supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, professional development, community debate and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation. Museums for America has three program goals:

• Lifelong Learning
• Community Engagement
• Collections Stewardship and Access

For more information: https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/museums-for-america/

Inspire! Grants for Small Museums

The Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. "It is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, policy development and institutional planning, technology enhancements, professional development, community outreach, audience development, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation." Inspire! has three project categories:

• Lifelong Learning
• Institutional Capacity
• Collections Stewardship and Access

For more information: https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/inspire-grants-for-small-museums/

National Leadership Grants for Museums

This program supports projects that address critical needs of the museum field and that have the potential to advance practice in the profession to strengthen museum services for the American public. Grant funding must be matched from non-federal sources.

For more information: https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/national-leadership-grants-for-museums/

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture

This program supports activities that build the capacity of African American museums and support the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums.
For more information: Visit https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/museum-grants-for-african-american-history-and-culture/

Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program

This program supports Native American Tribes (including Alaska Native Villages and Corporations) and nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in sustaining heritage, culture, and knowledge. The program supports projects such as educational services and programs, workforce professional development, organizational capacity building, community engagement, and collections stewardship.
For more information: https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/native-american-native-hawaiian-museum-services/

Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture

This program supports projects that build the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums to serve their communities as well as projects that broadly advance the growth and development of a professional workforce in American Latino institutions.
For more information: https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/museum-grants-for-african-american-history-and-culture/

The Knight Foundation

The Knight Foundation supports inclusive and equitable engagement in communities where the Knight brothers owned and operated newspapers. Support goes towards three program areas: Journalism, Communities and Art. The foundation gives funds primarily in eight cities where there are resident program officers. Through donor-advised funds in local community foundations, eighteen additional cities are funded. Resident Program Cities: Akron, OH; Charlotte, NC; Detroit, MI; Macon, GA; Miami. FL; Philadelphia, PA; San Jose, CA; St. Paul, MN Local Community Foundation Partner Cities: Aberdeen, SD; Biloxi, MS; Boulder, CO; Bradenton, FL; Columbia, SC; Columbus, GA; Duluth, MN; Ft. Wayne, IN; Gary, IN; Grand Forks, ND; Lexington, KY; Long Beach, CA; Milledgeville, GA; Myrtle Beach, SC; Palm Beach County; FL; State College, PA; Tallahassee, FL; Wichita, KS.
For more information: https://knightfoundation.org/programs/

Luce Foundation

Through its Responsive Grants, the American Art Program seeks to support a wide range of collection-based projects that advance the understanding and presentation of art across all media and chronologies, including Native American Art and cultural objects. Successful applicants will initiate or apply new research and fresh approaches to collection-focused documentation, publications, reinterpretation, reinstallations and exhibitions. Encouraged are projects that address collections that have been inadequately preserved, studied, shared, or presented. Preferred projects will exemplify best practices, particularly with ethnically specific collections.
For more information: https://www.hluce.org/programs/american-art/grant-categories/

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting museum activity that demonstrates exceptional aesthetic investigation and meaningful community engagement. Specifically, the NEA assists museums through the support of exhibitions, care of collections, conservation, commissions, public art works, community engagement, education activities, and other museum work. Museum projects funded by the NEA demonstrate artistic excellence in and across a variety of mediums, movements, eras, and cultures. While a variety of artistically excellent projects are welcomed, the following activities are particularly encouraged:

• Celebrate America’s creativity and/or cultural heritage.
• Invite a dialogue that fosters a mutual respect for the diverse beliefs and values of all persons and groups.
• Enrich our humanity by broadening our understanding of ourselves as individuals and as a society.

The National Endowment for the Arts encourages applications from: Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, African American Serving Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and organizations that support the independence and lifelong inclusion of people with disabilities.
For more information: https://www.arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects/

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

NEH offers grant programs to support museums, historic sites, colleges, universities, K-12 teachers, libraries, public television and radio stations, research institutions, independent scholars and nonprofits worldwide. There is a quiz and grants search available to find the best opportunity for your project.
For more information: https://www.neh.gov/grants/listing/

National Historical Publications and Records Commission

The NHPRC of the National Archives supports projects that promote access to America's historical records to encourage understanding of our democracy, history, and culture.

Access to Historical Records: Archival Projects

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission seeks projects that will significantly improve online public discovery and use of historical records collections. The Commission is especially interested in collections of America’s early legal records, such as the records of colonial, territorial, county, and early statehood and tribal proceedings that document the evolution of the nation’s legal history. Additionally the Commission is interested in projects to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. We encourage applications that use collections to examine the ideals behind the founding of the United States and the continual interpretation and debate over those ideals these past 250 years. We welcome projects that engage the public, expand civic education, and promote understanding of the nation's history, democracy, and culture from the founding era to the present day.
For more information: https://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/archival.html

State Board Programming Grants

For state governments to preserve and promote access to local historical records.
For more information: https://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/state.html

Publishing Historical Records in Collaborative Digital Editions

To publish documentary editions that provide access to and editorial context for the historical documents and records that tell the American story.
For more information: https://www.archives.gov/nhprc/programs/editions/

Regional Grants

(listed alphabetically by granting agency)

Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts is accepting applications for the Philadelphia Stewardship Program. This program consists of four grant-funded tracks designed to help nonprofit institutions care for their collections.

• Track I: Preservation Needs Assessment - Participants accepted into this track will receive a general evaluation of their institutions' preservations needs. Once completed participants will be eligible to apply for a $2500 matching grant to implement the recommendations of the assessment.
• Track II: Preservation Planning - Participants will work with CCAHA staff to develop a long-range preservation plan. Once completed, participants will be able to apply for a $2500 matching grant to implement the plan.
• Track III: Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning - Institutions will work with CCAHA to conduct a risk assessment and develop immediate emergency respones guidelines. Once completed, participants are eligible to apply for a $2500 matching grant to purchase emergency supplies or training opportunities.
• Track IV: Collections Management Policies - Participants will work with CCAHA to develop a set of written collections management policies or revise current policies.
• Track V: Digitization and digital Preservation Policies - Track V allows institutions to work with CCAHA to develop written digital preservation policies.
• Track VI: Create a Project - Organizations whose needs do not align with the offered tracks may develop their own preservation-related assessments or planning projects.
• Track VII: Update or Revisit Previous Reports - Standard guidance suggests that preservation needs assessments and other similar documents tend to expire after around 10 years, but it seems like resources, situations, and needs are changing ever more quickly. If your institution has participated in the Philadelphia Stewardship Program at any point since its launch in 2002, Track VII will allow you to work with CCAHA to revisit, revise, or update previous reports.
• Mini-assessment: - If an institution is not ready for a full assessment, CCAHA offers a half-day visit followed by list of preservation needs.

For more information: Visit https://ccaha.org/initiatives/philadelphia-stewardship-program. Email pso@ccaha.org or call 215/545-0613 to discuss the best track for your institution.

Colorado-Wyoming Association of Museums

The CWAM grant program is intended to advance professionalism in museums throughout the region. Funds from the CWAM might help improve collections storage, exhibits or educational programs. This program will help fund software.
For more information: https://www.cwam-us.org/services/grants/.

The Denver Foundation - Greenwood Fund

Invites nonprofits to apply for monetary support for conservation and collections care projects within the museum community of Colorado, New Mexico, or Wyoming. The focus is to fund projects for small museums.
For more information: https://denverfoundation.org/funding-opportunity/greenwood-fund/

Historic New England - Herbert and Louise Whitney Fund for Community Preservation

This program awards grants to small to mid-sized organizations across New England who save and share the diverse histories of their communities.
For more information: https://www.historicnewengland.org/helpful-links/awards-programs/community-preservation-grants/

State Grants

(listed alphabetically by state)

Alaska Humanities Forum

The Forum offers funding that fuels creative projects that share and preserve the stories of people across the state and explore what it means to be Alaskan.
For more information: https://www.akhf.org/grants

Museums Alaska

Funded by the Rasmuson Foundation and overseen by Museums Alaska, this grant provides funding to enhance collections management practices through professional expertise, training and supplies. This program expanded in 2022 to fund collections-focused projects including collections management, exhibitions, education or programming.
For more information: https://museumsalaska.org/what-we-do/grants/collections-management-fund/

Connecticut Humanities

Connecticut Humanities is offering general operating support grants for organizations that provide cultural, humanities, and arts-based projects and activities for the public.
For more information: https://cthumanities.org/grants/

Florida Humanities

Public Humanities Program Grants support projects that preserve, promote, and share the history, literature, cultures, and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state.
For more information: https://floridahumanities.org/funding-opportunities/public-humanities-program-grants/

Illinois Humanities Council

Illinois Humanities offers grants opportunities to support vibrant cultural work statewide and increase Illinoisans' access to the transformative power of the public humanities.
For more information: https://ilhumanities.org/grants/

Indiana Historical Society - Heritage Support Grants

The Indiana Historical Society offers local county and regional historical societies, museums and sites grants that support high priority needs including Collections Stewardship, Capacity Building, and Sustainability and Planning. Collections Stewardship grants fund projects that address the storage, management and care for collections and associated documentation.
For more information: https://indianahistory.org/across-indiana/heritage-support-grants/

Michigan Humanities Council

The Michigan Humanities Council provides funds for projects that serve Michigan's people with public humanities programming and that emphasize collaboration among cultural, educational and community-based organizations. Eligible projects include developing online projects.
For more information: https://www.michiganhumanities.org/humanities-grants/

Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Grants program supports projects that manage and/or preserve collections for public access. Grants are available in the following history categories: collections care and managment; digital conversion and online access; interpretive programs; museum and archives environments; oral history; publications and research. There are also historic preservation grants.
For more information: Visit https://www.mnhs.org/preservation/legacy-grants/about/ or contact the grants office grants@mnhs.org.

New York State Council on the Arts

NYSCA accepts grant applications from nonprofit organizations incorporated or registered to do business in New York State, Native American tribes in New York State and units of government in municipalities in New York State. The Regional Economic Development Council Initiative funding is available for projects designed to enhance and transfer cultural and economic vitality of New York State communities through the arts and culture, addressing REDC initiatives priorities including placemaking and workforce development.
For more information: https://www.arts.ny.gov/nysca-grant-opportunities

Ohio History Connection History Fund

The Programs & Collections grant program encompasses a variety of projects that further the study, recordation, interpretation, publication and dissemination of historical information, engagement of communities in history, or conservation of historical collections and archives. Eligible projects include care and management of collections and development of online applications.
For more information: Contact Andy Verhof, History Fund & Outreach Manager at averhoff@ohiohistory.org or visit https://ohioamda.org/index-69.html

Oregon Heritage Commission - Heritage Grant Program

The Heritage Grant Program provides matching grants for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon's cultural heritage. Priority will be given to projects that preserve, develop or interpret threatened heritage resources and/or heritage resources of statewide significance.
For more information: Contact Kuri Gill, Heritage Commission Coordinator at kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or by phone 503-986-0685. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx.

Oregon Heritage Commission - Museum Grant

The Museum Grant Program offers matching grants to public and non-profit heritage museums. Grant funds support projects for the collection and management of heritage collections, heritage-related tourism, and heritage education and interpretation.
For more information: Contact Kuri Gill, Heritage Commission Coordinator at kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or by phone 503-986-0685. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx.

The Vermont Community Foundation

The Foundation offers a number of programs to help nonprofit organizations in the state.
For more information: https://vermontcf.org/for-nonprofits/

Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin Council for Local History

The Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin Council for Local History offer a mini-grant program that funds collections care and management projects. Eligible expenses include the purchase of PastPerfect software and its associated add-ons, version upgrades and technical assistance; hardware to improve collections management (scanner, digital camera, computer, external hard drive); acid-free materials for proper collections storage; monitoring equipment for collections storage; dehumidifier; cases/shelving for collections. Fees and/or travel expenses to attend collections care workshops or training are also eligible.
For more information: Visit http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/ and search for "mini-grant".