IMLS outlines Museums for America grant program and recent award totals

The Institute of Museum and Library Services on an applicant guidance video described the Museums for America (MFA) grant as its largest program, designed to strengthen individual museums’ ability to serve their publics. Mark Bridal, program staff in the Office of Museum Services, said MFA supports work that advances a museum’s strategic priorities "as institutions important in improving the well-being of their communities, or as good stewards of the nation's collections."

Bridal said MFA projects should be tied to a museum’s strategic plan; applicants are asked to include a brief strategic-plan summary so peer reviewers can see how proposed activities further institutional goals and community impact. He described three program goals—lifelong learning, community engagement, and collections stewardship and access—and said applicants should choose the single goal that best aligns with their proposed activities so their application is reviewed by the appropriate experts.

IMLS published FY2024 figures showing 115 MFA awards totaling $23,300,000 in federal funds from 355 applications, a roughly 33% funding rate; about 48% of awards supported lifelong learning projects, 32% collections stewardship and access, and 20% community engagement. The agency reported the average federal fund amount per project at approximately $203,147.

Bridal urged applicants to review the notice of funding opportunity for full program details and examples of funded activities available on the IMLS website.