For small museums, securing grant funding can make all the difference. Whether you need to preserve artifacts, develop new exhibits, or expand community programs, grants provide the financial support to make it happen. Yet, the process of finding and applying for grants can feel overwhelming—especially for museums with limited staff and resources.

In this post, we’ll share essential tips to help your museum secure grant funding, from finding the right opportunities to writing compelling applications that stand out.

Identify the Right Grants for Your Museum

Finding the right grant opportunities is the first step to success. Focus on grants that align with your museum’s mission, size, and specific needs.

Where to Look:

• Federal Grants: There are several ways to get federal funding, including Congressional community project funding (earmarks) and grant-making agencies. These agencies include the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
• State and Local Grants: There are more opportunities at a state and local level than a federal level, and less competition! You can check state arts councils, historical commissions, and tourism boards. Also ask your county and municipality if they offer funding for non-profits.
• Private Foundations: These could be large foundations that fund projects nationally, or local family foundations focusing only your geographic area. Examples include the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation as a national foundation, and the Princeton Area Community Foundation as a locally-focused foundation.
• Corporate Grants: Many local and national businesses have established corporate social responsibility programs. Examples include the Coca-Cola Foundation as a national foundation, and the Columbia Bank Foundation as a state-wide foundation.

Pro Tip: Create a grant calendar to track deadlines and submission requirements. This helps you stay organized and ensures you never miss an opportunity.

Understand What Grant Funders Look For

Grant funders want to support projects that align with their goals and create a measurable impact. When evaluating applications, they typically look for:

Clear Mission and Goals: How does your museum’s mission align with the grant’s objectives?
Community Impact: How will the project benefit your community?
Sustainability: How will you continue the project after the grant funding ends?
Detailed Budget: How will you use the funds effectively and responsibly?

Write a Compelling Grant Proposal

Your grant proposal is your opportunity to tell your museum’s story and demonstrate why your project matters. Make sure to include these key elements:

1. Executive Summary
Provide a brief overview of your museum, the project you’re seeking funding for, and the expected outcomes.

2. Statement of Need
Explain why the project is essential. Use specific examples and data to show the impact it will have on your museum and community.

3. Project Description
Describe the project in detail. What activities will you carry out? Who will be involved? What is the timeline for completion?

4. Budget and Justification
Break down the costs of the project and explain why each expense is necessary. Be transparent and realistic with your budget.

5. Evaluation Plan
Explain how you will measure the success of your project. Funders want to know that their investment will lead to tangible results.

Pro Tip: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Reviewers may not be experts in museum operations, so make sure your proposal is easy to understand.

Build Strong Relationships with Grant Funders

Building relationships with grant funders can significantly increase your chances of success. Consider these strategies:

Reach Out Before Applying: Contact the grant administrator to introduce your museum and ask questions about the application process.
Attend Workshops and Webinars: Many grant programs offer informational sessions that provide valuable insights into what they’re looking for.
Follow Up After Applying: If your application is successful, send a thank-you note. If it’s not, ask for feedback to improve future applications.

Avoid Common Grant Writing Mistakes

Many grant applications are rejected due to simple mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls to improve your chances of success:
Missing the Deadline: Late applications are automatically disqualified. Submit your proposal well before the deadline.
Ignoring the Guidelines: Follow the grant application instructions exactly, including formatting and word limits.
Unclear Objectives: Clearly state what you want to achieve and how you will measure success.
Incomplete Budget: Provide a detailed budget that accounts for every expense.

Leverage Grant Funding to Build Long-Term Success

Winning a grant is just the beginning. Use the funding to create lasting improvements that benefit your museum and community. Document your progress, measure your results, and share your success story with funders and the public.

Pro Tip: A successful grant project can lead to additional funding opportunities. Many funders are more likely to support organizations with a proven track record of using grants effectively.