Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027)

What the official notice requires

Pulled from the official notice fy27-oms-igsm-NOFO.pdf (82 pages) so you can see the requirements at a glance. Each item shows the notice's own words. Open the page to read it in context.

Registrations you need first (2)

• SAM.gov, Unique Entity ID (UEI), Grants.gov · p. 5

  “Set up your SAM.gov (including Unique Entity Identifier) and Grants.gov registrations now.” Open page 5

• Login.gov · p. 5

  “You’ll need an active SAM.gov account and a Login.gov account to register and access Grants.gov.” Open page 5

Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist

What to submit

• Budget narrative / justification · p. 20

  “You must explain all proposed expenses in the Budget Justification.” Open page 20

• Indirect cost rate agreement · p. 21

  “However, the rate must be finalized by the time your budget is approved before we make an award;  use a rate not to exceed 15 percent of the Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) if your organization currently does not have a Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost…” Open page 21

• Resumes or bios of key staff · p. 35

  “Resumes of Key Project Staff and Consultants Provide a resume for each person whose expertise is essential to the success of the project.” Open page 35

• Timeline or schedule of completion · p. 40

  “Forms (follow form and Grants.gov instructions) □ SF-424S □ IMLS Museum Program Information Form Files Formatting Instructions □ Organizational Profile □ Strategic Plan Summary □ Narrative □ Schedule of Completion □ IMLS Budget Form □ Budget Justification □…” Open page 40

Length limits

• Page limit (see quote): 2 pages (suggested, not required) · p. 26

  “PDF Page Limit: 2 pages (recommended).” Open page 26

• Page limit (see quote): 5 pages max · p. 26

  “PDF Page Limit: 5 pages max.” Open page 26

• Page limit (see quote): 1 page (suggested, not required) · p. 26

  “PDF Page Limit: 1 page per year (recommended) File Name:” Open page 26

• Prepare Your Application: 2 pages (suggested, not required) · p. 28

  “Prepare Your Application 26 Component File Requirements Page Limit: 2 pages (recommended) File Name:” Open page 28

• Character limit (see quote): 200 characters max · p. 63

  “Enter a brief descriptive title for your project, using no more than 200 characters, including spaces.” Open page 63

• Abstract: 3,000 characters max · p. 67

  “Abstract Write an Abstract of no more than 3,000 characters (including spaces) in a concise narrative format for experts as well as for a general audience.” Open page 67

Formatting rules

• 11-point font · p. 31

  “PDF Font Size: 11-point or higher Margins: 0.5 inches or greater Components:” Open page 31

Cost share or match

• Cost share / match · p. 15

  “Project Type Funding Range Cost Share Requirement Small Project $5,000 - $25,000 Cost share is not required.” Open page 15

• Cost share / match · p. 66

  “Enter “0” if your budget includes no cost share/match.” Open page 66

Dates in the notice

• November 13, 2026 · p. 3

  “FY 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity Applications Due November 13, 2026 Inspire Grants for Small Museums Funding Opportunity Number:” Open page 3

Mistakes that get applications rejected (3)

• Not an eligible applicant: We will notify you if your application will not be reviewed because your organization is determined to be... · p. 14

  “We will notify you if your application will not be reviewed because your organization is determined to be ineligible.  To receive an IMLS award, your organization must be determined to be eligible and must comply with all applicable IMLS, administrative,…” Open page 14

• Over the length limit: We will remove any pages over the stated limits, and they will not be sent to peer review; any additional... · p. 28

  “We will remove any pages over the stated limits, and they will not be sent to peer review; any additional pages will not be considered part of your application.” Open page 28

• Over the length limit: Prepare Your Application 29 Narrative - Required Format Page Limit: 5 numbered pages We will remove any... · p. 31

  “Prepare Your Application 29 Narrative - Required Format Page Limit: 5 numbered pages We will remove any pages over this limit and will not send them to peer review; any additional pages will not be considered part of your application.” Open page 31